A potential cast member on Canada’s Lake Shore–a reality show where eight cast members from different backgrounds and sexual orientations move into a house together, and learn how to not step on each other’s toes–Iranian-Canadian, Roxie aka Persia, says of the forthcoming TV show: Continue Reading

Image: ESPN

The Iran V. US basketball game 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! Continue Reading

Anousheh Ansari in Space Tourists--Iranian Film Festival San Francisco

Set to take place September 18-19, 2010 at the San Francisco Art institute, the 3rd Annual Iranian Film Festival San Francisco has a great roster of films on hand. Continue Reading

L to R: Roxie "Persia" Ramedani, Melissa Karimzadeh

Jersey Shore who?

Real World what?

It’s all aboot Toronto’s Lake Shore…Eh?

“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.

The show’s premise?

“Eight cast-members from different backgrounds and sexual orientations move into a house together, and learn how to not step on each other’s toes! It’s not a competition; it’s all about their differences!”

And with former Miss Universe Canada crown-holder, Iranian model, Samantha Tajik, as co-host and judge of the show, Lake Shore promises to provide lots of “drama”.

Twenty-five finalists–two of which are also Persian–have been already chosen so auditions are now closed, but the show still needs your help in choosing the final eight cast-members.

Of course we encourage you to vote for the Persian girls: Melissa Karmizadeh and Roxie “Persia” Ramedani.

Dubbed “The Persian”, Karimzadeh is a 20-year-old model, and believes she’s had “more life experience under [her] belt than most people will ever have.”

“I’m completely and utterly happy with the person I’ve become.” She says. “I’ve done it all, and now, I know exactly what I want: Freedom, boys, whiskey, and rock and roll. I have a very old soul and a compassionate nature, but I’ll always be a wild-child at heart!”

The other Persian dokhtar (Persian: girl) in the mix trying to win-over the judges is also nicknamed The Persian in her audition video, and is known as Persia.

“I hold it down for my thick girls.” She says. “Last thing I’ll be is Snooki. Where all others fail, Persia succeeds. I’m a satisfaction guaranteed.”

Filming on Lake Shore begins sometime late 2010 or winter/spring of 2011.

Click here to cast your vote!

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 his co-star.

(…And don’t forget to watch part 2 of this very clever yet relatable comedy theater piece!)

Here’s a sample of what can be heard being discussed between the two young Iranian-American daters:

Jamshid: “As Khayyam used to say; ‘engaar keh neesty…cho hasti…khosh baash. Yani: Tekeelah ro boro baalaa! (Persian: It’s as though you aren’t here…when you are…be happy. Meaning: Take the Tequila shot!”

This once-in-a-lifetime celebration 9.02.10 Day honors the city of Beverly Hills by welcoming residents and visitors to enjoy gourmet food, wine and marquee entertainment on the tented rooftop of the former Robinsons-May parking structure.

“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.

Iranian-Americans comprise a large portion of the population of Beverly Hills. As such, it is fitting that Iranian culture be represented at the city’s most important celebration.  To do that, Farhang Foundation has selected one of the most loved and accessible aspects of Persian culture – our world-renowned cuisine – to present to the community at large.

“Persian cuisine is the ideal way to introduce Iranian culture to the community at large, because it requires no prior knowledge or translation,” said Ali Razi, Chairman of Farhang Foundation.  “As people get a taste of Persia and our hospitality, we are sure that they will leave with greater appreciation for Iranians and our culture.”

This splendid Taste of Persia by Farhang Foundation pavilion will feature exotic and tasty aromas, flavors, and delicacies of Persia in a completely re-imagined way and will be presented in an elegant style that is uniquely Beverly Hills, while showcasing some of the most distinct sights and sounds of the ancient Persian culture.

Original Photos: Via Bratz

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.

District Judge Stephen Larson chose to oversimplify the hate-filled remarks made during trial deliberations in 2008, and at the time, concluded (without any mention of himself): “Although the remarks offended and upset several of the jurors, the remarks did not, in any way, affect or influence the decision made by the jury.”

Despite the efforts of the Anti-Defamation League, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), the Iranian American Jewish Federation (IAJF), and the Iranian American Bar Association (IABA)–who all joined MGA and Larian in appealing the case with Mattel–Larson granted Mattel ownership of Bratz dolls.

“IABA joined in the amicus filing to the Ninth Circuit on the issue of juror bias against Mr. Larian, which went to the very issue being litigated—namely that all Iranians are ‘thieves’.  Based on its potential impact on Iranian-Americans and their equal treatment under the law, this issue was of great importance to us as a Bar Association, and of course to our members.” IABA representative, Salman Elmi tells Persianesque Magazine.

Continue Reading

Original Image via: ukiff.org.uk

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, commencing on November 19, 2010.

With a diverse program celebrating the best of contemporary Iranian films, the festival will showcase some of the finest talents of this rich cinematic culture.

Whilst acclaimed Iranian Directors may well be familiar to UK audiences, a new generation of emerging voices remain largely unknown.

The intention of the London Iranian Film Festival is to introduce this undiscovered new talent to London’s film enthusiast’s, as well as celebrating the work of legendary Iranian filmmakers.

Continue Reading