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ARUSI Persian Wedding
A film by Marjan Tehrani
US/Iran, 2008, 63 minutes, Color, DVD, English/Farsi, Subtitled
Order No. W09958

For filmmaker Marjan Tehrani and her brother Alex, growing up Iranian-American has always meant being caught between two worlds. With unique perspective and intimate storytelling, Tehrani brings to life a compelling examination of US-Iranian relations through the personal journey of her brother Alex and his fiancée Heather’s trip to Iran to hold a traditional Persian wedding—just as the filmmaker’s Iranian father and American mother did at a time when Iran and the US were close allies.

As a tense dinner party between the couple’s families soon illustrates, relations between the US and Iran have changed significantly over the past 50 years, from the CIA-led coup that placed Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi in power, to the wary political climate of today. Tehrani sheds light on history largely unknown by her generation, with honesty, care, and a thoughtful collection of archival segments featuring historical footage, intelligence documents, and beautiful photographs taken by Alex himself. A universal love story set against a fascinating history, this heartfelt film offers a rare glimpse of Iran beyond politics, revealing its people and history in a personal, hopeful and human light.



AWARDS, FESTIVALS, & SCREENINGS


Rooftop Films Summer Series, Official Selection
Tacoma Film Festival, Official Selection
Urban World Film Festival, Official Selection

  • ITVS Community Cinema National Tour: 45+ screenings across the U.S.
  • Sante Fe Film Festival
  • Films de Femmes, Créteil
  • San Diego Asian Film Festival

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QUOTES

    “A delicate, elegant, moving portrayal of an Iranian-American family, divided by politics, united by love.”
    Nada Elia
    President, Association of Middle East Women’s Studies

    “Convey[s] a message that, despite its personal nature, Iran is not as uncanny as it has been portrayed to be. When the American bride…walks down the stairs amid enthusiastic and heartfelt cheers of the family, one inevitably asks, ‘How can you bomb these people?’”
    Kamran Talattof
    Professor of Iranian Studies, The University of Arizona

    “I recommend it highly. Packed into one hour are a brief history lesson, a love story, a travel guide, and an ode to a country rich in history and culture. Intelligent, well-crafted, and heart-warming.”
    Valentine M. Moghadam
    Director, Women’s Studies Program, Purdue University


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    ARUSI Persian Wedding is included in the following Special Collections.
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Native Visions: Through the Eyes of Indigenous Women

This powerful collection of native voices features two films from the acclaimed Mohawk director Tracey Deer including CLUB NATIVE and the coming-of-age documentary MOHAWK GIRLS. Also included is the critical and heartbreaking tale of aboriginal femicide FINDING DAWN, as well as the spirited and vibrant Southwestern artists’ film, THE DESERT IS NO LADY, and the highly provocative identity piece NAVAJO TALKING PICTURE. More details.



© Women Make Movies, 2005
Women Make Movies is a multicultural, multiracial, non-profit media arts organization which facilitiates the production, promotion, distribution, and exhibition of independent films and videotapes by and about women. contact us