The Edinburgh Iranian Festival (EIF) returns for the third time in February 2013, running from 1st February – 16th February. The festival will showcase over 60 artists and contributors, across more than 30 events throughout Edinburgh.

At a time when Iran is in the headlines more for its politics than its heritage and creativity, this festival hopes to introduce Scotland to the heart and soul of Iran – from its art and music, through to its history and food.

Alongside established voices from the Iranian community, including leading academic Professor Ali Ansari (University of St. Andrews), organisers hope this year’s festival will help create a platform for emerging bands and artists.

Highlights of the festival include:
• A film programme organised in collaboration with the Filmhouse Cinema Edinburgh which will feature seven Iranian productions.
• An art exhibition on the theme of ‘Borders’ that will showcase the work of 28 artists from different disciplines, promoting the exchange of arts and cultural experiences.
• A keynote lecture at the opening ceremony by Professor Ali Ansari. The lecture celebrates the millennium since the great Persian poet Ferdowsi wrote his poetic account of the history of Iran, the Shahnameh. This marks the beginning of a lecture series in collaboration with Iran Heritage Foundation and the School of History, Classics & Archaeology of the University of Edinburgh.
• A musical extravaganza featuring live music from three Persian bands, as well as stand-up comedy by Irish-Iranian comedian Patrick Monahan (winner of the 2011 ITV stand-up comedy contest Show Me the Funny).
• A series of events in collaboration with the National Museum of Scotland under the title of “Art from Iran”, including a free Persian Calligraphy Workshop led by painter and printmaker Jila Peacock.


Festival founder Sara Kheradmand said: “Iran has an incredibly rich cultural heritage, and this festival aims to build on the success of previous years by bringing world-class, contemporary Iranian culture to the Scottish people. Basically, we want to put Iran on the map for the right reasons.”