Excitement is in the air as “I Am Irani,” a captivating docu-drama directed by Farhad Irani, takes center stage in Ohio and New Jersey. The spotlight first shines on Art Possible Ohio’s ReelAbilities Columbus Short Film Festival, where on February 15th, the film will be featured as part of the “Self-Love is in the Air!” program at 6:30 PM. This enchanting event will unfold at the Citadel, a welcoming space on the Southside of Columbus, Ohio, designed to foster culture, creativity, and community.
As the audience eagerly marks their calendars for this special evening, the promise of a unique and enriching experience awaits. The combination of “I Am Irani” and the creative ambiance curated by Art Possible Ohio’s ReelAbilities Columbus Short Film Festival ensures an unforgettable celebration of self-love and artistic inspiration.
But the journey doesn’t end there. The narrative extends its reach to the ReelAbilities: New Jersey Film Festival, spanning from February 29 to March 2. Hosted at Kean University, this festival has become a beacon of inclusivity over the years, with partnerships forged between Montclair State University, Kean University, and JCC MetroWest.
The expansion of the ReelAbilities Film Festival in 2019 signifies a commitment to bringing diverse and inclusive programming to Northern and Central New Jersey. As “I Am Irani” graces the screens during this extended screening, attendees at Kean University can anticipate an enriching and inspiring experience.The collaboration between these esteemed institutions not only enhances the cultural landscape but also opens doors for a broader audience to engage with meaningful stories and diverse perspectives. “I Am Irani” emerges as a beacon of self-discovery and creative exploration, inviting audiences in Ohio and New Jersey to join in a celebration of culture, community, and the art of storytelling.
I Am Irani is a docu-drama based on the life and story of Farhad Irani, a creative force to be reckoned with in Iranian photography. Born in Tehran in June 1985, Farhad faced the challenges of Treacher-Collins syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the development of bones and other tissues in the face. Sadly, individuals with this condition often experience isolation and discrimination. But Farhad’s indomitable spirit and determination to overcome all odds have made him a true inspiration to all who know him.Due to his facial abnormality, Farhad was often rejected and mistreated by society. Although TCS has made Farhad stand out all his life, his mindset, attitude, and ability to rise above all challenges are what set him apart, and allowed him to face his challenges head-on.” People with this syndrome are not different from others when it comes to the formation of the brain, they are on the same terms, and sometimes even have a higher IQ than the average person. The only major issue in their lives is the attitude that society has toward their appearance. Farhad’s strong determination and high morale however made him one that would rise despite all odds through his visual and musical creations.
SYNOPSYS
Farhad, a well-known Iranian photographer, together with his wife Mahsa, decided to leave Iran due to difficulties faced back home. Farhad was born with a rare genetic disorder known as Treacher-Collins Syndrome (TCS), which affects the development of the facial structure. Although TCS has made Farhad stand out all his life, his ability to rise above all challenges is what set him apart.
Farhad Irani is a creative force to be reckoned with in Iranian photography and filmmaking. Born in Tehran in June 1985, Farhad faced the challenges of Treacher-Collins syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the development of bones and other tissues in the face. Sadly, individuals with this condition often experience isolation and discrimination. But Farhad’s indomitable spirit and determination to overcome all odds have made him a true inspiration to all who know him. Farhad faced difficulties in the Iranian education system in his early years due to cultural prejudices and a lack of understanding of his condition. Nevertheless, despite these obstacles, Farhad never gave up on his desire to participate in regular schooling. With the support of his mother and his unwavering determination, Farhad finally achieved his first victory over Treacher-Collins syndrome at the age of nine, successfully integrating into a regular school. As Farhad grew older, he discovered his true passion for photography, which he pursued relentlessly. Drawing on any resource available to him, including books, magazines, videos, and teachers, Farhad honed his craft until he obtained a prestigious Australian TIF certificate in professional photography. With a rare ability to capture the essence of a moment and convey it with artistic emotion, Farhad quickly rose to become one of Iran’s most innovative and acclaimed photographers. He has worked with the country’s top celebrities in the music and film industries and has even been featured in the renowned New York Times. Read More About Farhad Irani here…
Schedule of Events
6:30PM – I am Irani (short film)
7:15PM -Open Mic Session with Cynthia Amoah
Where: The Citadel 1761 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43207
Access: Open Captions
Art Possible Ohio
REELABILITIES FILM, I AM IRANI + OPEN MIC AT THE CITADEL
Event Details
Self-Love is in the Air!
Get ready to mark your calendars for an evening of self-love and creative experience with an Art Possible Ohio’s ReelAbilities film and a spoken word session on February 15th!
Parking information: The Citadel has free parking on the street and a lot right across from building.
Questions? Contact Simone Robinson at info@ArtPossibleOhio.org or call 380.799.
Visit Website: https://artpossibleohio.org/
I Am Irani: Screening At 5th IRoDi Festival In Thessaloniki (Greece)
I Am Irani, a docudrama directed by Farhad Irani has won the 2nd WINNER AWARDS at the 5th Reflection of Disability in Art” (iRoDi Film Festival). Below the 5th Festival “The Reflection of Disability in Art” of the University of Macedonia Press release 8-10/12/2023.
“I Am Irani” Screening At ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York 2023
I Am Irani, a docudrama directed by Farhad Irani will be screened during the 15th annual ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York taking place in Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan April 27-May 3, 2023 in a hybrid format.