Persianesque Magazine

Not your Average Snooki: Q & A with Lake Shore Potential Housemate, Persia

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:34:12 +0000

"I can definitely stir up a mean ghormeh sabzi, zereshk polo, and adas polo!" She says in response to whether she's planning on cooking for her would-be housemates. I would love to cook for my roommates, I think it would be a great idea, bring some Persian flavor (literally) to the show."

US V. Iran in FIBA World Championship Games: Nothing but Love Amongst Players

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:39:52 +0000

The Iran V. US basketball match at the 2010 FIBA World Championship game held in Istanbul this week has created a lot of hype, but the one thing we walked away with from the well-paced game is: Friendliness!

Iranian Movies: 3rd Annual Iranian Film Festival San Francisco

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:29:56 +0000

The Iranian Film Festival, San Francisco--an annual event showcasing the independent feature and short films made by or about the Iranians from around the world and aims to support the Iranian film culture.

Art for Everyone: Interview with Iranian Artist Farzad Kohan

Sanaz Khalaj-Santos — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:06:46 +0000

"Art is the purest vehicle of the human expression: When all else fails we communicate our emotions, our ideals, our hopes and dreams through our art." Quips Kohan, whose ability to connect on an-almost spiritual level with viewers through his work, still fascinates us.

Adidas Women’s 5K Challenge: Help Mina Roshandeli Raise Money for the Omid Foundation

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:25:12 +0000

After watching The Glass House and "finding out about the hardship and traumas that [the girls under the care of Omid in Iran] experienced provoked feelings of sadness, anger and dismay in me," says Mina Roshandeli of her inspiration to participate in the Adidas Women's 5K Challenge--set to take place in Hyde Park, London, UK--and help her raise funds for the Omid Foundation.

Art Exhibit in New York: LTMH Gallery Presents ILLUMINATIONS (After Arthur Rimbaud)

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:24:41 +0000

Creating a revealing dialogue between artists living and working in the East and West, ILLUMINATIONS (After Arthur Rimbaud) highlights the strength of light to bind different cultures together.

Iranian Women in Business: Interview with Jewelry Designer Lisa Nik

Persianesque Staff — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:21:23 +0000

It’s no secret that Iranian women are a force to be reckoned with… So get ready to meet your latest rising star, the super-talented female entrepreneur and jewelry designer: Lisa Nik. Previously, Executive Vice President of RC for luxury jewelry line Roberto Coin, where she worked for over a decade, the multilingual Lisa–she is fluent in [...]

Persians on Reality TV: Vote for Melissa and Roxie aka Persia

Persianesque Staff — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:25:43 +0000

“Initially the show was going to focus on a group of hipsters, of Middle-Eastern descent, but after a lot of thought, [we] thought it would be much more riveting to explore how eight extremely diverse twenty-something Torontonians co-habitate,” says producer Maryam Rahimi of her Toronto-based co-venture.

Belind Date: Vintage Maz Jobrani

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 22:54:56 +0000

Calling all Maz Jobrani fans! You must check out these vintage videos we’ve come across, featuring your favorite Iranian-American comedian: Maz Jobrani as Belind Dater; Jamshid. “Belind Date” written by playwright, Amir Ohebsion, is timeless and hilariously witty. We have a feeling you don’t want to miss the hysterical banter that goes on between Maz and [...]

A Taste of Persia in Beverly Hills: Farhang Foundation Presents Iranian Feast at “9.02.10 Day” Celebrations

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:57:46 +0000

"All the excitement this Labor Day weekend will be right here in Beverly Hills, and everyone in the Los Angeles region, most especially the Persian community is invited to join our celebration", said Mayor Jimmy Delshad.

Bratz Vs. Barbie: Mattel Loses Previously Granted Rights to Bratz Dolls

Sanaz Khalaj-Santos — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:50:02 +0000

Last summer, we covered a case in which a juror was removed for making slurs about Isaac Larian's ethnicity, the Jewish, Iranian-born CEO of MGA, maker of Bratz, calling Iranians: “rude” and “thieves” who have “stolen other person’s [sic] ideas," during a legal battle between Mattel and Barbie.

UKIFF: First Iranian Film Festival in London

Persianesque Staff — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:32:29 +0000

Film festivals that honor Iranian films are held annually across the globe and now the time has finally arrived for an Iranian Film Festival to have a permanent home in the United Kingdom. UKIFF (a London-based charity and limited company) is delighted to announce the inaugural London Iranian Film Festival.

East Meets West on the East End: Iranian Artists Show at Southampton Exhibition

Persianesque Staff — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:31:21 +0000

Among the highlights from the exhibition will be a work from Shoja Azari and Shahram Karimi’s Silence Series, 2007-2008, which incorporates painting and video to create a moving painting.

Jimmy Vestvood: Sexiest Persian Alive

Amir Ohebsion — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:30:12 +0000

Check out Persiansque Magazine's exclusive interview with Jimmy Vestvood: He dishes on his life as a Private Investigator, son, and now...Sexiest Persian Alive.

12Petals Media Group: Human Rights Advocacy Through Art Production

Persianesque Staff — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:55:08 +0000

12Petals as a community production based media group with an emphasis on the "culture of human rights" philosophy strives to be a union of interdependent visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, cinematographers, playwrights, socials entrepreneurs and more.

New ABJEEZ: Farfar (Your Grandfather)

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:38:20 +0000

Hey ABJEEZ fans...Your girls have a new jam for you: Farfar (Swedish: your grandfather). Sisters, Melody and Safoura's latest song, Farfar is a lounegy-type beat sung in Swedish.

DC’s Real Top Chef: Interview with Chef Maziar Farivar of Peacock Cafe

Sanaz Khalaj-Santos — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:21:03 +0000

Have you ever wondered why there is such a lack of Persian Chefs in the culinary world? We have. So we searched and researched--sniffing around the global kitchen--and found our first five-star/diamond (in our opinion at least) Persian Chef in the US: Maziar Farivar, of Georgetown's Prospect St.-treasure, Peacock Cafe.

Rays of Light: Photographer Aras Karimi’s Modern Approach

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:38:44 +0000

Attracted to the quiet power that his imagery exerts, we find Karimi's vision to be intentional, catching, and angularly-futuristic. And compared to the over-exposure (no pun intended) of black and white shots all over the world and web, Karimi's end product(s) easily goes far beyond just good framing.

Rostam’s Band: Vampire Weekend Being Sued for More than 2 Million

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:14:13 +0000

In trouble already? Maybe so. DC-grown Rostam Batmanglij's indie-rock-band, Vampire Weekend (and some photographer) are being sued for more than $2Million.

Persian Influence in Design: Tabriz Collection by Elad Yifrach

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:39:30 +0000

The circuitous and appealing patterns of perfectly-placed rectilinear and curvilinear lines seen in Elad's work draws from a coveted type of Persian rug--especially the silk variety--known as the: Tabriz.

Passionately Persian: Love Poem

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:28:04 +0000

For my nightly bawling...The pain that's worn me out...For the want of seeing the light...that died when you left my home

IAAB Kicks Off Camp Ayandeh 2010: The Yellow Dogs to Perform

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:03:01 +0000

To celebrate the special fifth anniversary of Camp Ayandeh, many special activities are planned for the duration of Camp Ayandeh, including a performance by the Iranian indie rock band The Yellow Dogs, among other special guests.

Philanthropy: Support the Omid Foundations, Buy 2010/11 Iranian Gregorian Calendar

Persianesque Staff — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:36:46 +0000

Purchase the 2010/10 Iranian/Gregorian calendar designed and produced by the girls at the Omid Foundation showing their own paintings and photographs. Part of the proceeds is donated to the girls who created the calendar.

Documentary Film: Pearls on the Ocean Floor–Interview with Director Robert Adanto

Sanaz Khalaj-Santos — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:56:10 +0000

Director Robert Adanto's new documentary film "Pearls on the Ocean Floor,"--shot in London, Berlin, NYC, San Francisco, and Leipzig--while a "friend provided some footage from Tehran"-- interviews some of the most influential Iranian female artists living and working in and outside of Iran.

Arash and Kelly Contest: Win the Genius Table, Little Genius, or Genius Pad

Persianesque Staff — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:58:58 +0000

UK-based industrial designers, Arash and Kelly, are running a prize draw to get your support to help the dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate people that are Y.E.S.S, a small charity in Camberwell, South London who provide City and Guilds and GCSE courses for disadvantaged children, helping them build a better future for themselves. (They were recently featured [...]

Pushing Boundaries: Iranian Artist Taravat Talepasand Intrigues with her Work

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:47:11 +0000

She had us at first glance! San Francisco-based Iranian-American artist, Taravat Talepasand, has the ability to create the kind of art that makes you incapable of passing by her pieces without feeling the need to stop and stare–trying to figure out what she’s trying to tell you. Her aesthetic is not only provocative and sexy…It’s [...]

Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize Launches June 2010–New Iranian Cultural Initiative

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:14:20 +0000

“For the past three years, because of censorship in Iran and some other problems, I have had no official exhibitions and have not been able to create any work. So with best wishes for Magic of Persia I won’t be able to participate in MOP CAP 2011.” Anonymous. The first of its kind, Magic of Persia Contemporary [...]

Maz Jobrani Update: June 2010 Shows and Events

Persianesque Staff — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:44:36 +0000

For some of you…Your summer’s about to get a whole lot funnier! Your favorite Persian actor/comedian, Maz Jobrani, has announced his June 2010 plans: June 11-13 – Atlanta – Atlanta Punchline. Tickets at: punchline.com or by calling (404) 252-LAFF(5233) June 20th – Los Angeles – Comedy Store Main Room – World Cup of Comedy Show. For [...]

House of ZAD: Don’t Stop Dreaming in the Streets

Persianesque Staff — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:33:37 +0000

Calling all dance music lovers: Are you ready for a new summer jam? Then you must check out the latest hit track from Iranian-American artist, Farzad Aghili, ”Don’t Stop Dreaming in the Streets.” Also known as DJ ZAD, Aghili is the son of old-school-Tehran-entertainment-scene-heavyweight Morteza Aghili. “I actually wrote this track the night of the last Academy [...]

Persian Princesses: New Reality TV Show Begins Casting

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:17:20 +0000

If you’re one of the haters of the still-in-production reality TV show, the much-hyped-about Jersey Shore spinoff, the Persian Version…You should probably stop reading…Now. Otherwise…We’ve got some pretty cool news for all you reality-TV junkies: You’ll be seeing more Perrr-zhians on your tube yet again, since the newest of Persian-cast-based-reality-shows, Persian Princesses, is casting! Here’s [...]

SYTYCD: Ida Saki Withdraws, Named Presidential Scholar in the Arts by the White House

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:29:39 +0000

Warning: You may need a few shots of Saki to get over this Saki situation. “I’m withdrawing from the competition.” Ida Saki told the judges last night during her last appearance on So You Think You Can Dance. Obviously, we didn’t want to see her go, but she does have a massively bright career ahead [...]

2010 Iranian Film Festival – San Francisco

Persianesque Staff — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:38:57 +0000

The 3rd Annual Iranian Film Festival in San Francisco, a showcase for the independent feature and short films made by and about the Iranians from around the world, is inviting filmmakers from all over the world to submit their films to the next edition taking place September 18-19, 2010. With the deadline extended toAugust 15, [...]

Iran Election Anniversary: Neda Remembered

Persianesque Staff — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:19:47 +0000

Moments after she was shot to death on June 20th, 2009 during the Iran election protests, images and video of her unjustified departure flooded the internet–and overnight, Neda’s neda (Persian: voice, call) was heard. And now as the anniversary of her death approaches, Neda Agha Soltan is remembered; NedaSpeaks.org is an organization that was launched as [...]

Op-ed: MTV May Lose Lawsuit to Historic Error

Darby Shaw — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:28:57 +0000

MTV released a statement on May 5th 2010 regarding the Golzar Amirmotazedi v. Bunim-Murray/MTV Networks/Viacom lawsuit stating the case was “without merit.” I believe MTV has made a monumental error in leaving a critical piece of evidence against themselves in the lawsuit. I assume the following clip will be taken off the Internet within the [...]

Ida Saki: So You Think She Can Dance?

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:51:43 +0000

If you’ve seen Ida Saki’s mesmerizing and ultra-graceful dance moves on “So You Think You Can Dance” (SYTYCD), then like us, you must already be in love with this sweet Persian girl from Texas. Saki’s strength and emotion, vividly seen and felt through her movements on stage, didn’t just impress the pants off the ji-jiz (judges)–a [...]

London Art Exhibit: Fereydoun Ave and his Rostam

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:02:36 +0000

“Why seekest thou to know Rostam the Pahlavān? Surely thou wilt know him in battle, and he shall strike thee dumb, and quell thy pride of youth. Yet I will not show him unto thee.“ Janet Rady Fine Art is delighted to present their inaugural show–in their new space at La Ruche in Whitechapel–a selection [...]

Iran’s Resident DJ: Masoud Fuladi

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:55:25 +0000

DJ/Producer Masoud Fuladi (also known as: DJ MaSound) lives by the Caspian Sea in Northern Iran–Bandar-e Anzali in the province of Gilan to be exact–yet he works with some of the dance music industry’s biggest and coolest…albeit virtually. The passionately dedicated and persevering Iranian DJ–not to mention trained pianist–who started producing at the age of 16, [...]

Going to the Movies – Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a Fun-tastic Visual Adventure

Sanaz Khalaj-Santos — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:36:44 +0000

With a perfect mix of action, comedy, drama, suspense, and adventure–the Shahnameh and A Thousand and One Nights-inspired Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, delivers! The characters are built fast and smart. So don’t worry if you aren’t familiar with the video-game, you’ll have no problem understanding the connections and dynamics of the characters, or the [...]

Basement Dreams: Loulou of Thievery Corporation Debuts Album with New Band “Midnight Kids”

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:59:48 +0000

The sultry sounds of Iranian singer/songwriter Loulou (of Thievery Corporation affiliation fame) are here to stay! Mixing progressive-rock-y harmonies with a classic lounge essence in their debut album Basement Dreams, her new band, Midnight Kids, proves to be a solid voice in their world of sophisticated urban music. Outside of the idée fixe we’ve experienced listening to the Persian-lounge-singing pioneer’s charming songs, “Omid“–which [...]

Must-See Concert: An Eclectic Evening with Electric Black

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:44:26 +0000

With a step-mom like Shirin Neshat and a father like Shoja Azari, it’s no wonder this Iranian-American art-scene-royalty-heir is equipped with such great creative ability. Johnny B. Azari (also of Freedom Glory Project) and his band Electric Black are taking the stage soon to give you a taste of their “eclectic” flavor. It’s been a while since Electric [...]

Prince of Persia Goes LEGO

Persianesque Staff — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:59:22 +0000

Disney’s summer blockbuster, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, starring one of our honorary Persians, Jake Gyllenhaal, is being very well received by cirtics. And as if all the positive pre-release press surrounding the action-packed Jerry Bruckheimer movie that’s destined to turn into a franchise isn’t enough…Dastan, Tamina, and all the other characters have been transformed into LEGO pieces. By being [...]

Comedy Show: Max Amini and Friends Coming Back to DC!

Persianesque Staff — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:10:13 +0000

“A Mexican, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Black guy walk into a bar….” When that line appears…You know Max Amini is about to show up! Headed back to his hometown for what’s sure to be yet another sold-out set of shows at the Bethesda Theater, the hilarious Persian comedian known as Max Amini (try repeating his full name aloud and [...]

Iranians on TV: Move over “Situation” Here Comes “The Hot-Spot”

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:04:49 +0000

The highest rated episode this season of MTV’s Disaster Date, #236: Jersey Shore Juicehead,”–where Persian Actor/comedian K-von plays a “Situation”-esque character on the dating prank show–sets up disaster-dater Juliette (via accomplice Samira) for a hilariously fist-pump-induced jaryaan (situation). And if you’ve seen at least one of the show’s episodes featuring K-von, like us, you’re wondering how he keeps his act [...]

Real World DC: Golzar Amirmotazedi Sues MTV

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 06 May 2010 15:08:16 +0000

Iranian-American makeup artist Golzar Amirmotazedi, 22, who had a brief appearance on The Real World D.C., the latest installment of MTV’s pioneering reality-TV show, The Real World, is suing Viacom, MTV Networks, and Bunim/Murray Productions for $5 million. Why? Because, she claims, that MTV caused her ”emotional distress and invaded her privacy.” Amirmotazedi’s lawsuit against MTV–et. al.–is due to her time with cast members Andrew [...]

Shirin Neshat’s “Women Without Men” Opening in NYC

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Winner of the Silver Lion for Best Director at the 2009 Venice Film Festival, this first feature film by acclaimed visual artist Shirin Neshat explores the lives of four women during the traumatic era in early fifties Iran. Against the tumultuous backdrop of Iran’s 1953 CIA-backed coup d’état, the destinies of four women converge in [...]

Shoja Azari: “Icons” Exhibition at LTMH Gallery

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:03:49 +0000

Shoja Azari’s first solo exhibition in New York City “Icons,” will feature six new video works which examine the role of saints and heroes in modern society. In the early 20th century, coffee house-style painting flourished in Iran. Based on Persian mythology, the large paintings depicted the heat of battle, the afterlife and martyrdom, truth [...]

Iranian Designer Mia Jafari: Persian Textiles and Scarves

Persianesque Staff — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:09:21 +0000

April 2010–Iranian-born, British-educated artist Mia Jafari has been making a name for herself: Fusing Iranian landscapes with elements of pop art, commodity, culture, and kitsch. This spring, inspired by Persian carpets and luxurious commodities, Jafari debuts ‘Ladybirds Strawberry Cosmos’, a collection of seductively playful, hand-finished limited edition silk scarves. Jafari invites you to bask in [...]

Wine Making Persian Style: Introduction of Xurus Winery

Persianesque Staff — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 23:14:56 +0000

Lake County, CA – When brothers-in-law Ali Namdar and Kambiz Safinya purchased the Sonatina Vineyard, hidden away in a corner of Lake County in Northern California, they did so specifically because this unique property would produce exceptional grapes. When they chose highly respected Vineyard Manager David Weiss, California native and the owner of Bella [...]

Op-ed: Iran Elections, Cyber Warriors, and the Captain Midnight Incident

Justin Ziebart — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:48:19 +0000

On April 27th, 1986, HBO’s scheduled programming was interrupted unexpectedly. A message appeared saying, “Good Evening HBO, from Captain Midnight. $12.95/month? No Way [Showtime/Movie Channel Beware]”. It is now referred to as the Captain Midnight Incident, when John R. MacDougall decided to protest increased television fees for satellite viewers. He hijacked HBO’s signal and projected [...]

“Passing the Torch of Success” New York: IAAB Partners with PAAIA

Persianesque Staff — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:18:03 +0000

IAAB is pleased to partner with PAAIA in bringing its signature event, Passing the Torch of Success, to the Tri-State New York area on Sunday April 25, 2010 at NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. The event, co-hosted by former CNN anchor, Rudi Bakhtiar, and accomplished actor/comedian, Maz Jobrani, is both educational and [...]