White Noise: a film documenting the source of misogyny underpinning the gender apartheid and femicide in Iran

This film shows the depth of misogyny and reaction that underpins sex apartheid and femicide in Iran. Continue reading →

Broadcast: Poetry in Motion Film Series

Poetry in Motion at the Barbican celebrates the millennia-long traditions of Iranian poetry and art by linking them with Iran’s Contemporary Iranian Cinema today. Festival programmer Elhum Shakerifar visits the studio to discuss the commissions of original poetry (from poets Amy Key, Martha Sprackland and Will Harris) and responses by fine artists to some of … Continue reading →

Broadcast: London Palestine Film Festival

The London Palestine Film Festival (LPFF) returns after a two year haitus, with diverse, rare and popular shorts, features and documentaries, working to connect audiences with international filmmakers focusing on Palestine-related issues. Joining the likes of Bella Freud and Eyal Weizman for the festival are this week’s Six Pillars’ guests (bios below): Mai Masri with … Continue reading →

Broadcast: Iranian Film Review with Rammy Elsaadany

“When you isolate women, you isolate the soul of the whole society.” Hissa Hilal, The Poetess, Screening at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival in London this month (see below). This week we celebrate International Women’s Day with a look at two forthcoming releases by women directors from Iran. Pictured left is Ava, screening at … Continue reading →

Broadcast: Film Review with Rammy Elsaadany: ‘In Between’ from Palestine

Egyptian film maker Rammy Elsaadany joins us in the studio to review the film and soundtrack for ‘In Between’, an insightful take on the lives of modern Palestinian women by first time director Maysaloun Hamoud. Set in Tel Aviv, three different women navigate the trials of modern day urban living together. We’ll also listen to … Continue reading →

Dancing in Istanbul

“Finally we didn’t have a place to go, so we just danced outside. […] We grew up in the Romani neighbourhood, in the Romani culture.” Sulukule Mon Amour from !f istanbul Sulukule (literally: “Water tower”) is a historic settlement in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is an area within the area of Istanbul’s … Continue reading →

Six Pillars Broadcast – Politicising Tourism in Palestine

This week highlights from the event Politicising Tourism in Palestine, part of the Crisis and Creativity A Season of Contemporary Films from and about the ‘Arab world’ series of events at The Mosaic Rooms, London, curated by Shohini Chaudhuri.  Broadcast Times Six Pillars broadcasts on air on 104.4FM, on digital radio signal and online Wednesday … Continue reading →

The Wind Will Carry Us….Away – RIP Abbas Kiarostami

Film maker, poet, photographer, Kiarostami (b.1940) died of complications due to a long battle with cancer, at the age of 76 in Paris yesterday. From working in advertisements, managing the film department for centre of child education for the government, to winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes for A Taste of Cherry, and becoming a … Continue reading →

New Video: Iran-UK Sonics, London Residency

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New Six Pillars Podcast – The Culturist

On this week’s Six Pillars an interview with Emirati Hind Mezaina, an established artist and blogger in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, plus field recordings taken from a visa run to the nearby Sultanate of Oman, from Dubai, a round trip made in 4 hours. Hind, who is of part-Egyptian descent has been writing under … Continue reading →