Negar Banisafar is a Work Study Student for the Cinema Iranica project. Negar is currently a PhD student in the Department of Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations at the University of Toronto. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Allameh Tabataba’i University in Iran and two MAs, one in Dramatic Literature from Soore University in Iran and another in the study of Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations from University of Toronto. During her second MA, Negar was a recipient of the Scholars-at-Risk Fellowship from the School of Graduate Studies and Massey College at University of Toronto. In 2022, she received the Norman Itzkowitz Turkish Short Story Award for the best short story written in Modern Turkish.
“I have had the honor of collaborating with Cinema Iranica and the Tavakoli Archives as a Work Study student and Research Assistant at the University of Toronto since September 2021, which has been a spectacular experience for me. Throughout my time, I have had the opportunity to expand my research skills significantly. This includes compiling bibliographies, creating/filming tutorial videos for new team members, writing definitions for bibliographic entries, and translating movie titles while also crafting movie summaries.
Working at the Tavakoli Archives has provided me with invaluable experience in the management and preservation of archival materials. I have become proficient in the basics of storing and cataloging archival items, and I have learned how to digitize these materials to enhance accessibility for scholars and students alike.
Overall, my experience with Cinema Iranica and the Tavakoli Archives has been enriching and rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such important projects and to develop my skills in research and archival work. These experiences have undoubtedly shaped my academic and professional journey, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow in this team.”