WATER.WIND.DUST.BREAD - اب. باد.خاک.نان
written & directed by Mehdi Zamanpour Kiasari
Iran 2021
Mahdi Zamanpour Kiasari, hailing from Kiasar in the province of Mazandaran, is a master storyteller with a flair for filmmaking. With a master’s degree in film directing, he’s earned acclaim as a versatile talent, wearing multiple hats as a writer, producer, and director. His portfolio boasts over 70 documentaries and television films, captivating audiences worldwide.
Some of his recent works include “Mashti Esmail“, “Butterfly“, “Asak“, “Kal Fatmeh“, and “DEATH Behind the Green Wall“.
Mahdi has made his mark on the international film festival scene, participating in over 100 festivals. His work has earned him over 50 prestigious awards, including the Best Mid-Length Film award from Vision Du Reel, the Special Mention award from IDFA, and the Special Mention of the Jury from Doc Edge.
Notably, Mahdi received the Best Children and Teenagers Film Award from the Millennium Docs Against Gravity festival. His contributions to cinema have been celebrated by numerous esteemed festivals, solidifying his position as an exceptional filmmaker in the industry.
synopsis:
Abolfazl and Setayesh offer a poignant look into the lives of two young protagonists: 11-year-old Abolfazl from Iran and 8-year-old Setayesh, born into a migrant family from Afghanistan in Iran. While Abolfazl has official documentation, Setayesh lacks a birth certificate. Together, they navigate challenges with resilience and determination.
The documentary follows them as they confront harsh realities, showing their remarkable spirit amidst adversity. Through intimate storytelling, WATER.WIND.DUST.BREAD. sheds light on their struggles and aspirations, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of identity and resilience.
For additional details and reviews, please click the link in the bio.
Campaign Design @rabanruddigkeit
@shahram.karimi.16 @mahdi_zamanpourkiasari @sheibani.hadi
NATSU DANCE 夏空ダンス
Written & directed by Teruyoshi Uchimura, 2023
NATSU DANCE - a captivating short film by the multifaceted talent, Teruyoshi Uchimura.
Join us on a journey to Kumamoto, Japan, where tradition meets modernity, and dreams take flight.
Get ready to groove to the timeless beats of Cannon by Matsumoto and witness a spirited Brake’n Dance performance that will leave you spellbound.
Nowruz - A Celebration of Resilience and New Beginnings
Short film screening & discussion
Date & Time: March 24, 2024 | 8 PM
Venue: Superraum | Brückstraße 64, 44135 Dortmund
Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to be swept away by the magic of NATSU DANCE!
Design @rabanruddigkeit
@shahram.karimi.16 @mahdi_zamanpourkiasari @sheibani.hadi @matteo_2323 @shinji.sakoda
#welccl #welcclfilmfestival #welcclshortfilmfestival #nowruz #thinkupconnectivity #thinkupeditions #hadisheibani #matteodamiani #teruyoshiuchimura #NATSUDANCE #katvoman #thelastparty #夏空ダンス
The Last Party - IL ULTIMA FESTA
Written & directed by Matteo Damiani
Italy 2022
Let’s come together to celebrate the arrival of spring and the promise of new beginnings! 🌱
As we embrace the beauty of Persian New Year, let’s dance with the shadows cast by the rejuvenating sunlight and revel in the Last Party, including the enchanting Natsu Dance and the resilient spirit of Katvoman.
Amidst this season of renewal, let’s cherish the importance of genuine friendships and human connections, recognizing their value in overcoming life’s challenges. Norouz marks the start of a period of growth and transformation, where we hold onto hope for a brighter future.
Meet Celeste, a brave soul at 70, who embarks on a journey to fulfill a lifelong dream, accompanied by her estranged sister, Teresa. Together, they rediscover the joy of companionship, confront past conflicts, and unveil secrets that will forever alter their relationship.
Join us on this heartfelt journey of rediscovery, where the blossoming of spring mirrors the blossoming of hearts and the renewal of bonds.
Nowruz - A Celebration of Resilience and New Beginnings
Short film screening & discussion
Date & Time: March 24, 2024 | 6 PM
Venue: Superraum | Brückstraße 64, 44135 Dortmund
Organizer: THINKUP Connectivity e.V.
In partnership with: THINKUP Editions
short films screening,featuring special guest artist and filmmaker @shahram.karimi.16
Supported by the business promotion office & gender equality officer of the City of Dortmund
Directed by Matteo Damiani
Campaign poster design by @rabanruddigkeit
@thinkup_connectivity @matteo_2323
#welccl #welcclfilmfestival #welcclshortfilmfestival #nowruz #thinkupconnectivity #thinkupeditions #matteodamiani #thelastparty #lultimafesta #shahramkarimi
Get ready for a gripping story of courage and empowerment!
Katvoman
Written & directed by Hadi Sheibani
Iran 2023
In Katvoman a mother and son find refuge in the fantasy of Catwoman and Batman, until unsettling sounds of domestic violence next door disrupt their world. As the father returns, they must navigate protecting their son while confronting harsh truths.
Katvoman draws from the MeToo movement and Catwoman’s character to explore resilience and empowerment. In just 8 minutes, it juxtaposes silence with violence, portraying the struggles of abused women and the strength found in confronting oppression.
Join us as we embrace the beauty of Persian New Year, dancing with the shadows cast by the rejuvenating sunlight and reveling in the festivities, including the enchanting Natsu Dance and the resilient spirit of Katvoman.
Don’t miss this powerful narrative challenging societal norms.
Nowruz - A Celebration of Resilience and New Beginnings
Short film screening & discussion
Date & Time: March 24, 2024 | 8 PM
Venue: Superraum | Brückstraße 64, 44135 Dortmund
Organizer: THINKUP Connectivity e.V.
In partnership with: THINKUP Editions
Supported by the business promotion office & gender equality officer of the City of Dortmund
Directed by @sheibani.hadi
#welccl #welcclshortfilmfestival #welcclfilmfestival #nowruz🍀 #resilienzstärken #resillience #katvoman #hadisheibani #نوروز #shortfilm #newbeginnings #dortmundüberrascht #dortmund
Ippazio Fracasso-Baacke, born in Parabita, Apulia, Italy, is a renowned painter and sculptor. After attending the Istituto d’Arte in Italy, he worked in various European countries before dedicating himself professionally to art in 1984. His works have been exhibited in major galleries and museums worldwide, including Paris, Vienna, and Berlin. Ippazio developed the artistic style of ‘Concrescismo’, which merges tradition and modernity. He has received numerous awards and invitations to prestigious events such as the Venice Biennale. In 2019, he was honored with the prestigious International Prize “Apulian Excellence in the World”.
Artist Statement:
As an artist, I felt deeply honored to be entrusted with the creation of A Tribute to Callas for Maria Callas’ hundredth birthday celebration in Verona. The opportunity to contribute to such a significant occasion filled me with immense excitement and gratitude. Maria Callas has been a guiding light in my artistic journey since I was 14, her music serving as both inspiration and solace as I navigate the complexities of the art world. Participating in this grand event was a deeply personal endeavor, driven by my profound admiration for Maria Callas and a heartfelt desire to pay homage to her enduring legacy. In capturing the essence of her resplendent costumes, I endeavored to encapsulate not only their visual allure but also the captivating essence of her presence and artistry on stage. Maria Callas has left an indelible mark on my life and artistic journey, serving as a constant source of inspiration and reflection. While the process of painting her portrait was challenging and intense, it was also incredibly fulfilling, as I endeavored to convey the depth of emotion and admiration I hold for Maria Callas through my art.
Artwork by Ippazio Fracasso-Baacke
Soundtrack: Claudia Oddo soprano, Vissi d‘arte, Tosca Puccini
Music director:
Claudia Oddo
Trio Verona Lirica:
Günther Sanin
Sara Airoldi
Roberto Co
Luca Lolli, a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna, has been immersed in artistic exploration since 1995. His multidisciplinary approach spans oil painting, photography, and wall painting. Influenced by Zen philosophy, he delves into meditation and inner reflection. Lolli’s recent work explores the relationship between nature, animals, and the void within human existence. He has exhibited extensively in Europe, with notable shows including „Chakra“, „Origine“ and “Claudia Oddo, sopran and Tiffany Ensemble”. Currently, he is showcasing his art in the A Tribute to Callas exhibition in Verona, marking his return to the artistic sphere with renewed depth and vigor.
Artist Statement:
In my latest creation, I found inspiration in a vintage photograph featuring Callas, marking a departure from my usual exploration at the intersection of painting and photography. Captured in a candid moment with her beloved poodles, the image reveals a lesser-known dimension of her character.
Entitled Great Souls, my painting serves as a heartfelt homage to Callas, a luminous figure who graced the world with her boundless talent and humanity. By incorporating her cherished pets into the title, I honor their profound bond—an acknowledgment of the unconditional love and trust animals offer, enriching our lives in immeasurable ways.
While much of the piece embraces a figurative style reminiscent of grayscale photography, I allowed other elements to take on a more abstract form. This deliberate transition symbolizes the intricate layers of Callas‘ persona and reflects my evolving approach to artistry.
Through these artistic choices, I endeavor to convey not only Callas‘ complexity but also my own interpretation of contemporary art—a fusion of instinctive creativity and tangible expression, yet retaining an elusive essence akin to her profound selflessness and artistic depth.
Artwork by Luca Lolli
Soundtrack by @claudia.oddo.soprano
Ave Maria/ Intermezzo C