The Proceeds from this special evening will fund the Walker’s upcoming film series, Views from Iran.
The 1979 revolution in Iran had repercussions that sent two women from opposite ends of the political and social spectrum into exile—Empress Farah Pahlavi, the wife of the last Shah of Iran, and filmmaker Nahid Persson Sarvestani. As a member of the Communist faction, the director demonstrated to overthrow the Shah, but was forced out of the country due to pressure from Khomeini’s policies.
After nearly 30 years abroad, the director requested an interview with Empress Farah with an agenda to confront her about the past. Unexpectedly, the Queen welcomed her as a fellow refugee and they discovered that they had more in common than they could have ever imagined. Over the course of two years of filming, the Queen’s charm and candor disarmed the filmmaker—forcing her to come to terms with the past. A selection of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. 2008, Sweden, in English and Farsi with English subtitles, video, 90 minutes.
The Queen and I will be followed by a rare and extensive onscreen interview that Her Majesty granted especially for the Walker Art Center, further exploring her experience in making the documentary.
VIP privileges include a pre-screening reception and recognition in the evening program. All ticket proceeds will be used to fund the Walker’s upcoming Views from Iran film series. The second annual Views from Iran will offer audiences a glimpse at contemporary life in Iran through the screening of innovative works from some of the country’s most promising emerging filmmakers, with special guests and dynamic post-screening discussions.