Three to five grantees will receive financial support ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, along with mentorship support throughout the creative process. These grants are designed to support artists in completing fully-formed projects in film, theater, and other creative disciplines, that will be ready to engage audiences and find avenues for distribution, presentation, and production within a 6 to 12-month timeframe.
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Our theory of change reflects this: by funding and nurturing projects that tell authentic Iranian stories, we seek to inspire new connections, challenge stereotypes, and foster nuanced understanding of a wide range of experiences to create lasting impact on both artists and audiences.
A collaboration between Nimruz and Waterwell, our goal is to cultivate the next generation of Iranian artists, helping them to hone and amplify their voices in order to facilitate dialogue, understanding, and inspiration. We are committed to a pluralistic vision, amplifying diverse voices who are telling Iranian stories that resonate both within and beyond our communities. Through this program, we aim to build bridges within our community and to other global communities, fostering deeper understanding and solidarity with the people and culture of contemporary Iran.
Nimruz has established The Parwiz Zafari Shahnameh Fund, a scholarship aimed at supporting the endeavors of Bahram Beyzaie, an Iranian educator, playwright, and acclaimed filmmaker, in the domain of the Shahnameh and Iranian mythology.
Following the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Beyzaie was confronted with government-imposed censorship and restrictions on his creative work. In 2010 he sought refuge at Stanford University, where he assumed the role of the Bita Daryabari Lecturer in Iranian Studies. Since then, Beyzaie's impact has been profound, leading workshops on Iranian mythology, staging plays, and teaching courses on Iranian theater and cinema. His journey stands as a testament to his enduring dedication to enriching both Iranian culture and the global artistic landscape.
Through The Parwiz Zafari Shahnameh Fund, Nimruz reinforces the preservation and exploration of Iranian heritage, mythology, and scholarly growth. Our commitment to this fund underscores our mission to advance knowledge and foster cultural awareness in the realm of Iranian studies.
A passionate human rights lawyer, with a rich background as a leader at the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center and the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.
A New York-based Iranian artist, seamlessly melds traditional Persian artistry with modern technology across cinema, graphic art, and shadow theater.
A musician, singer, composer, poet, author, and activist whose impactful work addresses societal issues through a unique blend of artistry and advocacy.
A dynamic Iranian-American actress, model, writer and activist amplifying global awareness of Iran’s protests and violence against its people.
A trailblazing rapper and producer, renowned for shaping Persian rap and making a notable mark in various creative fields including directing, photography, podcast production, and sustainable ventures.
When you contribute to Nimruz, you become an integral member of a global community committed to fostering Iranian culture, building solidarity, and paving the way towards a brighter, democratic Iran. Every contribution, no matter the size, creates a profound impact.
