Iran Diary

Rhythm of Tides is about a young woman who navigates the terrain of her memory in search of a lasting place of love.

"Haunting passages of Persian poetry accompany an exploration of the spiritual and transformative power of love, loss, and self-discovery in the face of oppression. U.S. and Iranian iconography both clash and interweave in this deeply personal and experimental black-and-white short about hell, paradise, and political struggle."

— Reel Frontier Film Festival: Arizona International Film Festival

Poem for the Sea is a short vignette based on a yearlong e-mail correspondence with a young Iranian man. Through his writing and imagination he copes with the ominous presence of state in the life of its citizens.

Shroud and Torrent, is a contemporary fable, focusing on a young Moslem woman and her spiritual transformation. The film is inspired by the works of Iranian poets, 13th century’s Omar Khayyam and 20th century’s Forough Farokhzad.

"In her hauntingly beautiful black and white film, Jila Nikpay addresses the issue of the role of religion and its codes in the everyday lives of Islamic people."

— Diane Mullin, Associate Curator, Frederick R. Weisman Museum