On the occasion of Nowruz, The Polygon Gallery invites you to a special screening of One Must Wash Eyes, directed by Vancouver-based Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Yadegar and a Farsi language tour of our Spring exhibition Rotimi Fani-Kayode: Tranquility of Communion.

Filmed in Vancouver, One Must Wash Eyes is the story of an international Iranian student, Sahar (Pegah Ghafoori, FROM ), whose life changes dramatically after she's photographed at a Woman, Life, Freedom protest in Vancouver, leading to severe consequences from Iranian authorities. It captures the helplessness of watching your homeland suffer from a distance and highlights the losses that extend far beyond just precious lives.

6:00pm: Doors open
6:30pm: Farsi language exhibition tour of Tranquility of Communion by Negin Ata
7:00pm: Film starts. Runtime is 88 minutes.

تور-نمایشگاه-همراه-با-راهنما

Director in attendance for a post-film Q&A.

RSVPs are helpful

We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada | Nous reconnaissons l'appui du gouvernement du Canada.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Sepideh Yadegar is an award-winning writer and director with a body of work that showcases her passion for storytelling and her commitment to creating thought-provoking films. Her feature film, One Must Wash Eyes, has garnered critical acclaim both nationally and internationally, earning Best Canadian Feature at the Regina International Film Festival and Best Screenplay at the Hamilton Film Festival, along with nominations for Best Sound at the BC Leo Awards and Best Emerging Filmmaker at the Calgary International Film Festival, as well as a memorable mention at the Oakville Film Festival.

On the international stage, the film triumphed at the Luleå International Film Festival (LIFF) in Sweden, winning Best Debut Director, Best Debut Feature Film, and Best Actress in a Feature Film. It also received the Best Feature Film award at the Paris Women Cinefest. One Must Wash Eyes is now set to make its BC premiere as the opening night film at the GEMS Festival. Additionally, the film has been nominated for Best Directing and Best Actress at the Beaufort International Film Festival.

Beyond her feature work, Sepideh has directed and produced two short dramas and two short documentaries, each reflecting her keen eye for nuanced storytelling and her dedication to exploring complex themes. She also served as a co-producer and writer on a Telus Original feature documentary, expanding her expertise in documentary filmmaking. www.sepidehyadegar.ca

Banner photo: One Must Wash Eyes, video still