Peyvand NPO, UW Persian and Iranian Studies and SIFF Present "The Dawn is Too Far: Stories of Iranian-American Life" (55:21 min)

Q&A with director, Prof. Persis Karim

“The Dawn is Too Far: Stories of Iranian-American Life” –Film Screening and Discussion

February 19, 2025 at the SIFF Film Center, 167 Republican St, Seattle, WA 98109

Telling the Real Story of Immigrants: Iranian Americans in the Bay Area

At a time when immigrants, primarily from black and brown communities--from Mexico, to the Caribbean, and the Middle East-- have been vilified and stereotyped as criminals, drug-runners and terrorists, it is especially important to hear the real story of immigrants. Iranian and Arab Americans and those from across the Middle East, have been overshadowed by decades of news headlines that portray them not as they are, but as politicians and mainstream media want to see them: as enemies and foreigners. In “The Dawn is Too Far: Stories of Iranian-American Life” we share the powerful narratives of individuals from the Bay Area Iranian diaspora community, who contribute to and creatively respond to their history, and indeed add to the richness of this region.

Persis Karim (moderator) is a poet, editor, and Comparative and World Literature professor at San Francisco State University. She holds the Neda Nobari Endowed Chair and directs the Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies. She is the editor of three anthologies of Iranian diaspora literature. Her poetry has appeared in Callaloo, Raven’s Perch, Caesura, Nowruz Journal, The New York Times, and numerous other national publications.

"The Dawn is Too Far” has been selected for screening at the 2025 Hollywood International Diversity Film Festival.

This is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased here or at the SIFF box office.

February 19, 2025: 6:15-8:20 p.m. SIFF Film Center 167 Republican St, Seattle, WA 98109