Zahra Kazemi, a Work-Study student, is involved in the Cinema Iranica project. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS), having completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, Iran. In addition to her engineering background, Zahra has a passion for Iranian history, art, poetry, and cinema. This passion led her to become a work study researcher in Professor Virani’s “Dream Team” at the University of Toronto, where she contributed to illuminating the profound beauty and significance of Persian poetry. As part of her work study in Professor Virani’s team, Zahra’s role involved translating Persian poems from various poets like Attar Neyshabouri, Nizari, etc., into English. Currently, Zahra has embarked on a new journey as a member of Professor Tavakoli’s Cinema Iranica team. Her objective is to provide a fresh and unique perspective to the exploration of Iranian cinema, emphasizing its cultural and artistic significance. She actively participates in gathering information about different Iranian movies, writers, or directors from available literature, and creating an archive dedicated to them.
“I am writing to express my profound gratitude for the enriching experience I have had as a work-study student at the Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studies since May 2023.
During my tenure, I have had the privilege of contributing to the Cinema Iranica project. My responsibilities have ranged from conducting archival research to curating bibliographies of influential figures in Iranian cinema and cataloging masterpiece movies from our rich cultural heritage. One particular highlight of my journey has been the collaborative endeavor with a dedicated team, where we meticulously edited and organized materials, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
Working alongside passionate individuals at the Institute has been an exhilarating opportunity. Together, we have unearthed lesser-known gems of Iranian cinema, showcasing the artistic brilliance that defines our cultural legacy. This collective effort has underscored the significance of collaborative teamwork in preserving and promoting our cinematic heritage to a global audience. My time at the Institute has been transformative, both personally and professionally. I have honed invaluable skills in research methodology, archival management, teamwork, and project management, laying a strong foundation for my future endeavors. Moreover, I have made meaningful connections within academic and cultural spheres, reinforcing my commitment to contributing to the promotion and understanding of Iranian arts and humanities.
it is heartening to witness such unwavering efforts and investments aimed at preserving and nurturing our rich Iranian culture. Organizations like the Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute play a pivotal role in this endeavor, ensuring that our cultural heritage is not only protected but also celebrated and shared with the world. This commitment to safeguarding our heritage reinforces the profound significance of movies as conduits of cultural expression and underscores their enduring impact on society.”