Robert McConney is a PhD student in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Toronto. He holds BA (Hons) in History from the University of Southampton (2016), an MA in Iranian Studies from the University of Tehran (2019), and an MA in Religion from the University of Toronto (2023). Robert has lived on and off for 20 years in various countries of the Middle East, including the UAE, Iran, and Turkey. He has a working proficiency in Persian. His previous research focused on Gilan and the Jangali movement, it has since shifted to the Caribbean practice of Muharram known as Hosay. His current research seeks to connect his experience in the Middle East with his personal background as a British-West Indian of Bajan heritage. He contributes to the Cinema Iranica Project.
“I have been a work study research member at the Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studies since May 2023. I have contributed to the Cinema Iranica project in areas of editing, translation, research and website management. I have also contributed as a researcher to the Women Poets Iranica project.
It has been a fulfilling experience to be part of the Institute, particularly in working to develop resources on Persian arts and cinema. Working in both projects, I found researching the varied life stories of Iranian filmmakers to be particularly rewarding.
Working with such a dedicated team of fellow researchers has also been a highlight of my time at the Institute. The opportunity to engage with a professional and welcoming community is a large reason as to why I look forward to continuing my relationship with the Institute and the development of future projects.
Over the last year, I have been able to develop my research and editing skills in Persian, as well as build a network of colleagues in Iranian Studies from whom I have learnt a great deal.
I believe the work of the Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute serves a crucial role in the future of Iranian Studies as a field of academic research, as well as fostering a wider appreciation of Persian arts and culture across communities.”