thank you!OUR VOLUNTEERS:
(ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Akhtar Motamed
Banafsheh P.Abadi
Behrooz Ghavami
Haydeh Shirmohammadi
Judith Khakshoui
Latifeh Hagigi
Mahtab Nejad
Maryam Atai
Neda Afsharian
Neda Rohani
Parisa Shabanzadeh
Reza Yeganehshakib
Sahba Shayani
Shervin Emami
Simeen Maghameh
Sofi Etemadi
Zohreh Sadeghi
SPECIAL THANKS &
acknowledgement
DR. LINDA KOMAROFF for her continued support of
Farhang Foundation’s programs at LACMA, without
whose support none of this would be possible.
SABRINA LOVETT for her always positive energy and
dedication to this program’s organization and success.
LACMA AND STAFF for their ongoing support of
Iranian art and culture.
THE AUDIO / VISUAL TEAM AT LACMA for their
professionalism and team work.
KIRN670AM RADIO IRAN for their continued support
and promotion of Farhang’s programs.
JAHAN ARDALAN for lending his creativity and talent
in producing and directing the Farhang Foundation
informational video.
SOCIARTS TEAM for their hard work in managing the
2010 Farhang Short Film Festival.
PUBLIC RELATIONS: Reza Goharzad
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Bita Milanian
Welcome to Farhang’s Second Annual
Celebration of Nowruz at LACMA!Celebrating this festival of world renewal, featuring a special display of “Haft-Sîn”, an Iranian
New Year tradition, along with “Saaz & Dohol” musicians, traditional Persian dancers and more.
11:30am to 3:30pm DIRECTOR’S ROUNDTABLE GARDEN
Programs taking place in this area do not require a ticket. This program is hosted and moderated by the Iranian Studies Students at UCLA
• Story Reading for Children from the “Shahnameh” – the Book of Kings
• Haft-Sîn arts and crafts
• Persian Calligraphy by Zia Erfanian
12:30pm to 1:45pm LEO S. BING THEATER
Limited Seating. FREE tickets are available for this program at the LACMA box office starting at 11 a.m. One ticket per guest.
• Welcome, Introductions & Farhang Video
• 2010 Farhang Heritage Award presented to Professor Richard Nelson Frye
“In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the study of Iranian history and civilization.”
• 2010 Farhang Film Festival Awards
Fourth Prize: SCARECROW (MATARSAK) by Nazanin Shirazi
Third Prize: STORY (MORNING BIRD) by Albroz Kamalizad
Second Prize: PERSIAN DANCE by Masoud Moein
First Prize: MY GRADE SCHOOL FRIEND (YAR E DABESTANI) by Kourosh Shemirani, Simon Ampel, Mani Mostofi,
Bitta Mostofi, Fared Shafinuary and Tehranosaurus
NOTE: All submitted films were judged by the Jury committee based on the film's artistic merits only. Views expressed by the filmmakersdo not represent those of the Farhang Foundation or its Board Members and Management.
• 2010 Lifetime Achievement award presented to Professor Amin Banani
“In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the study of Persian language and literature”
• Premiere of The Persian Rite of Spring
The Persian Rite of Spring is a multimedia show about the mythology, poetry, music, folklore and celebration of Nowruz,
a millennia-old tradition celebrated by Iranians and others around the world. The birth of light and its victory over dark is an
archetypical dynamic with a series of ceremonies from Yalda (Winter Solstice) through 13-Bedar (Outdoor 13) that usher in
the renewal of the world each spring, which The Persian Rite of Spring brings to life. Created by
The Translation Project’s Niloufar Talebi in collaboration with composer Bobak Salehi.
3:00pm to 4:30pm L.A. TIMES CENTRAL COURTYARD
Programs taking place in this area do not require a ticket.
• Significance of Nowruz by Dr. Touraj Daryaee
• LIVE Musical Performance
Featuring some of the most talented world musicians, performing a fusion of
Persian melodies with flamenco beats. Composed by Hamid Nikpay & performed
by HAMED NIKPAY ENSEMBLE. Artists accompanying Hamed Nikpay include:
Greg Ellis, Dan Lutz, Dimitris Mahlis and Farzin Farhadi.
Of all the Persian national festivals, the New Year celebrations are atonce the most important and the most colorful. This festival embodies awealth of ancient rite and customs, and it is about the only one inPersia that is not confined to the traditions of only one religious group. Itsymbolizes that continuity of ancient Persian culture, which hassurvived so many adversaries and vicissitudes.
The NOWRUZ celebration stretches over a period of thirteen days, thelast being a special occasion calling for particular ceremonies. Theperiod begins with the first day of spring, when the sun enters thezodiacal sign of the Ram. At NOWRUZ people join nature in making afresh start, full of joy and hope for the coming year. The origin ofNOWRUZ is traditionally attributed to Jamshid, the mightiest and themost glorious of the legendary kings of Persia.
NOWRUZ is reckoned by a solar calendar. This was adopted in ancienttimes by the Zoroastrians, and it is used today as the national calendarof Persia. However, one must bear in mind that the Zoroastrian year didnot always begin on the 21st of March (1st of Farvardin). There arereasons to believe that at one time it began with the commencement ofautumn. NOWRUZ, along with Mehregan, another ancient festival,continue to be the main national Persian festivals.
Today, while many of the ancient festivals have faded away in mostparts of the country, NOWRUZ remains a national Persian festival, andits advent brings joy to the hearts of the people. Although many of theold customs and ceremonies, as recorded in histories and travel books,have vanished with the passing of time, what remains makes NOWRUZthe most fascinating of the Persian festivals, rich in folkloric details andsymbolic reminiscences.
The preparation for NOWRUZ begins well in advance. Children andyoung people particularly are excited at the thought of approachingNOWRUZ with its prospects of gifts, new clothes, and the round offestive parties. Some fifteen to ten days before Spring each householdstarts preparing the “sabzeh”: grains of wheat or lentil are put into waterto germinate; then the germinated grain is spread over a dish andallowed to grow. By the time NOWRUZ arrives, the grains have sent upa fresh mass of green blades as a token of spring. This decorativesymbol of good omen is kept till the end of holidays.
During the days immediately preceding NOWRUZ, an amusingspectacle is provided by the “fire-lighters,’ men wearing high hats,harlequin dress studded with small bells, often with their faces paintedblack, or wearing a grotesque masque. These messengers of joyparade the streets with a troop of performers, which may includedancers, acrobats and folk musicians, reciting folk songs and tryingvarious tricks to amuse the spectators.
The Wednesday preceding the New Year calls for particular ceremoniesand performances of very old origin. The rites and customs varysomewhat from region to region, but a common and essentialceremony consists of piling at least three small heaps of shrubbery inthe courtyard and setting them afire. Then all the members of the familyjump over the flames in turn, reciting a little rhyme of good augur: “Mypallor to you, your ruddiness to me.”
A thorough house cleaning is essential to the preparations forNOWRUZ: all the rugs and linen are washed, furniture meticulouslycleaned, and, if possible, the house repaired and painted. In someregions it was customary to break all the earthenware vessels andthrow them out, replacing them with new ones.
Everyone is supposed to provide himself with new clothes, shoes, andhats for NOWRUZ. Children are particularly attached to this aspect ofthe festival. As the exact time of the New Year draws near everyonegets ready for the occasion. The exact time, that is, the moving of theSun to the sign of Ram, is announced in larger cities by the firing ofcanons. A few hours before this solemn moment, all the members ofthe family gather in the house. By this time they have all bathed, menhave had their hair cut, women have finished their toilet, and all haveput on their new clothes. Candles or lamps are lit and a special table isspread in the main room. On it are placed a mirror, candlesticks, andthe holy book, according to the family’s faith. Generally, also a bowl ofwater, with a green leaf floating in it, a flagon of rosewater, a piece ofbread, herbs, fruits, candies and cakes specially made for NOWRUZ,and two other items particularly prepared: colored eggs and the “Haft-sin.” The latter is a special feature of NOWRUZ and consists of sevenarticles whose names begin with the letter “S.” As a rule, they are seeb,sabzi, sir, serkeh, sumac, senjed and samanu; that is, apple, freshherbs, garlic, vinegar, sumac, and a Bohemian olive and a sweettasting food prepared with green wheat. Other articles of good omenmay be added to those already mentioned.
When finally the moment arrives the family gathering is pervaded by aspirit of joy and happiness. The members of the family embrace eachother, greetings and good wishes are expressed and gifts areexchanged. The special food being served on the New Year Eveconsists mainly of steamed rice mixed with herbs with fried fish.
Visiting relatives and friends, a characteristic feature of NOWRUZ,begins on the first day and continues to the end of the twelfth. The eldermembers of the family receive the visit first, and the junior memberslater. A general air of gaiety, contentment and rejoicing marks theatmosphere of these days.
NOWRUZ ceremonies are brought to an appropriate end by spendingthe thirteenth day in the open country. It is considered unlucky to stayat home, and on this day the countryside around the large cities iscovered by groups of people in high spirits, who have trooped out towalk in the fresh fields and enjoy a rest along the banks, enjoyinggames. Comic performers resembling the “fire lighters” are particularfavorites of the people.
The green shoots of wheat or lentil must be thrown out on thethirteenth day, and when possible, thrown into the running water. Withthe discarding of the “sabzeh” one throws out all the misfortune andbad luck. By going out into the open country one welcomes in thespring and leaves all the bad luck associated with the number thirteenon the lap of the nature where it can do no harm.
On the return from the countryside the NOWRUZ holidays comes to aclose and there is almost a year to prepare for the next.
NOWRUZ — The New Year Celebration in PersiaAn excerpt by Professor Ehsan Yarshater
When finally the moment arrives the family gathering
is pervaded by a spirit of joy and happiness. The members
of the family embrace each other, greetings and good
wishes are expressed and gifts are exchanged.
PROFESSOR RICHARD NELSON FRYE2010 Farhang Heritage Award Honoree
“In recognition of his extraordinary contributionsto the study of Iranian history and civilization.”
Appropriately referred to as “dean of the world’s Iranists” by other scholars, Richard Nelson Frye of
Harvard University has researched and taught the cultural history of Iran, Central Asia and the Near
East for over six decades and needs little introduction to those familiar with the field. His work has
covered the spectrum of Iranian studies and the history of Iran and related cultures across the
centuries. Early in his career, the editor and compiler of the monumental, encyclopedic Persian
dictionary, Dehkhoda, gave him the honorific Irandoost, or Iranophile, which has since adorned the
doorway to his office at Harvard.
Dr. Frye was Director of the Asia Institute in Shiraz for five years, as successor to Arthur Upham
Pope, editor of Survey of Persian Art. where he lived with his family. He has lectured in Persian in
recent years in universities in Tehran and Isfahan, advocating the separation of religion and state and
expounding the underlying historical basis for this separation from the foundation of the Iranian state,
ca. 550 BC, to the present. Dr. Frye received his PhD in history and philology from Harvard in 1946,
with his thesis on Narshakhi’s History of Bokhara. He joined the Harvard faculty in 1948 and later
became Agha Khan Professor of Iranian Studies.
PROFESSOR AMIN BANANI2010 Farhang Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree
“In recognition of his outstanding contributionto the study of Persian language and literature.”
Dr. Amin Banani is Emeritus Professor of History and Persian Literature at the University of
California, Los Angeles. He is a former Chairman of the Department of Near Eastern Languages
and Cultures and a former Acting Director of the Center for Near Eastern Studies. He received his
BA (1947) and PhD (1959) from Stanford University and his MA (1949) from Columbia University.
Professor Banani has served on the Board of Directors of the Middle East Studies Association of
North America, the Executive Council of the Society for Iranian Studies, and as Vice President of
the American Association of Iranian Studies. He combines history and poetry in his research and
teaching. He is an avid devotee of music, Eastern and Western.
2010 Farhang Film Festival WinnersThe Festival committee wishes to thank all of the participating artists (filmmakers, musicians &producers) for their creativity, dedication, relentless efforts and passion to express their heritagethrough their art. This year, Farhang Film Festival received 64 submissions with diverse themes fromIran, Europe and North America. The Jury rated each music video based on creativity, originality,production quality, and visualizing any aspect of the Iranian arts, culture, nature, and life-style. The top 9 selected films are available for public viewing via www.farhang.org.
NOTE: All submitted films were judged by the Jury committee based on the film's artistic merits only. Views expressed by thefilmmakers do not represent those of the Farhang Foundation or its Board Members and Management.
First PrizeYar e Dabestani - My Grade School Friend
Directors: Where is My Vote - NY, Kourosh Shemirani, Simon Ampel
Producers: Where is My Vote - NY, Kourosh Shemirani, Simon Ampel
Writer: Kourosh Shemirani
Cinematographer: Simon Ampel
Editor: Simon Ampel
Musician: Fared Shafinury & Tehranosaurus
Second PrizePersian dance
Director, Producer & Editor: M. Moein
Cinematographer: Hosein Ruzaneh
Musician: Keivan Saket
Third PrizeStory (Morning Bird)
Director: Alborz Kamalizad
Musician: Farhad
Fourth PrizeDue to an overwhelming number of outstanding submissions,Farhang Foundation decided to recognize a forth place winner.
Scarecrow Matarsak
Director, Writer & Producer: Nazanin Shirazi
Cinematographer: Miguel Alvareza
Editor: Miguel Alvarez
Musician: Fared Shafinury & Tehranosaurus
Album: Behind the Seas
the translation projectFounded in 2003, The Translation Project is a nonprofit 501(C) 3 umbrella organization that brings innovative
Iranian-inspired projects to audiences through literary and multimedia events: www.thetranslationproject.org
Performing artists in the world premiere of The Persian Rite of Spring include:
Niloufar TalebiCreator, Writer, Narrator
Writer, theater artist, and award-winning
translator, Niloufar Talebi is the founding
director of TheTranslationProject.org. She
is the editor/translator of BELONGING:
New Poetry by Iranians Around the World
(North Atlantic Books, 2008), and the
creator of ICARUS/RISE (2007), a
multimedia theatrical piece that
dramatizes the 30-year journey of the
Iranian diaspora through its poetry in
BELONGING and inspired by the Iranian
oral storytelling tradition of 'Naghali.' Her
libretto, Ātash Sorushān (Fire Angels), for
the soprano Jessica Rivera to
commemorate the 10th anniversary of
9/11, was commissioned by Carnegie
Hall, where it will world premiere in 2011,
before its West Coast premiere at Cal
Performances. Among her future projects
is a Shahnameh Theater Project,
currently under development with an
Iranian Naghal. She teaches at Hunter
College. www.niloufartalebi.com
Bobak SalehiComposer, Video Artist
Composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist
and a native of Iran, Bobak explored the
world of musical instruments at the age of
eight, under the direction of his father
maestro Hossein Salehi. His formal music
training has covered the Classical and
Folk music of the Middle East, as well as
Western classical music, Gypsy style
violin, folk music of Latin America,
electronic music and Flamenco guitar. In
1999 the Oregon Historical Society
recognized him as master artist. He has
studied Kamancheh with crossover
recording artist Kayhan Kalhor of Yoyo
Ma's Silk Road Ensemble. In 2006, he
recorded on the soundtrack of the award-
winning film Cathedral Park. Most recently,
he collaborated with the Translation
Project's Artistic Director Niloufar Talebi in
the creation of an original soundtrack for
the world premiere of ICARUS/RISE.
Paul EvansPiano, Woodwinds, Percussion
A southern California native, Paul has
been a composer/performer/improviser
for over 20 years working in many
different genres of music from around the
world. Paul is now based out of Portland,
Oregon where he has collaborated with
many groups such as Râz, Shabâvâ,
Fractal, AnnaPaul and the Bearded Lady,
Vagabond Opera, Klezmocracy, and
many more. He has also composed
several film scores including the
soundtracks to "From One Rose" and
"Archives of the Fantastic".
Niloufar Talebi would like to thank the Farhang Foundation, the team at LACMA,
Bita Milanian, and her collaborators for making this show possible. This program is
dedicated to her parents, who pulled her out of bed as a child at any and all hours
of the night and showed her a magical Nowruz celebration.
At the forefront of experimental music, Hamed Nikpay’s passion for his
innovative genre is embedded in his solid knowledge of fundamentals of
Persian music, his ability to perform numerous Persian instruments
masterfully, and his incisive interpretation and selection of Persian poetry for
his songs. These artistic proclivities have enabled him to create musical
paragons, which are gripping and much admired by enthusiasts of Persian
and world music alike. He learned to sing at a very young age, studying
under the tutorship of some of the Masters of classical Persian music. His
love of Persian music motivated him to learn and play many musical
instruments revered in the Persian culture -- tar & setar, tanbour, oud, and
daf, which he plays expertly and soulfully. He has recorded two albums in
Iran, performing as a fusion vocalist, and has produced two albums “Solo
Passage”, and “All Is Calm” in US. Hamed has performed in numerous
concerts before enthusiastic audiences throughout Iran, Asia, Europe and
U.S. His mesmerizing voice has earned him the reputation of being 'One of
Iran's Best Young Vocalists' among both American and Iranian audiences. www.hamednikpay.com
The Ensemble performing with Hamed includes:
Hamed Nikpay ensemble
Greg Ellis Percussionist
A drummer and percussionist, Ellis has worked with diverse artists from Beck to Billy Idol, and has
released four albums on Narada Records. He has also recorded, and performed with masters of India
Tabla such as Ustad Zakir Hussain, Japanese Taiko drummer Kodo, Grateful Dead drummer Micky Hart,
as well as master musicians from Iran, Africa, and Turkey.
Dan Lutz Bassist
In diverse roles as a bassist, Music Director, or producer, Dan has shared the stage and recorded with the
greats of jazz, bringing a funky and innovative style to the music he plays. Playing both electric and upright
bass, and skills to swing, groove, or improvise, Dan has performed worldwide with some of the most
acclaimed artists in the recording and film industries, as well as television, Broadway, and as a teacher in
educational institutions.
Dimitris Mahlis Multi-Instrumentalist
A multi instrumentalist and song writer, Dimitris’s masterful skills in playing oud, guitar, and many other
stringed instruments, coupled with his formal education in eastern and western musical genres, have
resulted in recording & performing experiences that are original and soulful. He has performed and toured
with music stars from all over the world and produced four albums of his own compositions for oud and
guitar. www.myspace.com/dimitrisjimmymahlis
Farzin Farhadi Soprano Saxophonist
Highly accomplished and multi talented producer for more than a decade, Farzin is one of the most
innovative contemporary song writers and performers of his generation, working in diverse genres.
A saxophonist by training, he is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, whose compositions
and orchestration transcend east-west genres of today’s world music. His melodic tunes influenced by his
partiality to jazz, and his innate affinity for Persian music enlivened with mystical poetry of Rumi, are
innovative, inspiring and rapturous. www.myspace.com/farzinfarhadi
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 8 - 10Announcement Letter.
MARCH 15 - 17Initial mail out of Form.
MARCH 29 - 31Census Homeless Enumeration Program
APRIL 1Census Day (MAIL YOUR FORM).
APRIL 1 - 10Replacement Questionnaire mailed.
APRIL 22 - 24Reminder Postcard mailed.
MAY 1 - JULY 10In-home follow up to non-responders.
LET’S BE COUNTED FOR CENSUS 2010!
VISIT IRANIANSCOUNT.ORG TODAY ANDSIGNUP FOR EMAIL UPDATES & REMINDERS.
IT'S EASY! On April 1st, fill out the Census Form that comes
to your door. Mark Question #9 "Some Other Race" and write
"Iranian" or "Iranian-American" in the space provided.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CENSUS
THE IRANIANS COUNT 2010 CENSUS COALITION (ICCC) was formed to
ensure maximum and consistent participation by Iranians in the 2010 U.S. Census.
Learn more at:
IraniansCount.org