The Fishes of Darya's Hair

This installation features Darya, meaning "sea" in Persian, a girl who embodies joy and liberation, freely singing and letting her hair flow. In contrast, sculptures of modern houses stand before this vibrant projection, their attractive facades concealing hidden struggles. Like Iran’s exterior, these houses invite deeper investigation, challenging viewers to uncover the true realities of women’s rights in Iran.

  • Arshinaz Vafa
    Director
    Leila
  • Leila Sultan
    Animation Assistant
  • Sahar Zibai
    Singer
  • Pouya Mohmoodi
    Musician
  • Joe Hirst
    Sound Mix
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short, Student, Other
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    August 16, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    400 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    Persian
  • Shooting Format:
    1920 X 1080
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Arshinaz Vafa
Director Biography - Arshinaz Vafa

Arshinaz Vafa is an Iranian artist and director whose work deeply reflects her experiences growing up in Iran. Her art focuses on social restrictions, gender inequality, and the ongoing fight for freedom, drawing from a rich cultural heritage and personal narrative. Skilled in drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking, Arshinaz seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary techniques to create evocative, impactful pieces.

A graduate of the prestigious Royal College of Art, Arshinaz has further refined her artistic vision, bringing a global perspective to her work while staying deeply connected to her Iranian roots.

Her latest project, an installation featuring Darya, explores the hidden struggles of Iranian women, contrasting vibrant imagery of freedom with the concealed realities behind seemingly perfect exteriors. This work exemplifies Arshinaz’s dedication to using art as a powerful tool for social commentary and change.

Arshinaz has honed her craft through numerous workshops in various arts and crafts, with a strong commitment to preserving and celebrating Iranian cultural heritage. Her work continues to inspire and challenge audiences, offering a voice to the silenced and a spotlight on critical issues

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Director Statement

As an Iranian artist, my work is deeply intertwined with my personal experiences growing up in Iran, where social restrictions, gender inequality, and the fight for freedom are daily realities. Through my art, I strive to give voice to those who are often silenced, using a blend of traditional and contemporary techniques to create pieces that resonate on both personal and political levels.

My practice spans various mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking, each allowing me to explore and express complex themes. I am particularly interested in how art can challenge societal norms and provoke thought about the unseen struggles that many endure. My recent works, such as the installation featuring Darya, are a reflection of this, contrasting the facade of freedom with the hidden realities of women’s lives in Iran.

Having studied at the Royal College of Art, I bring a global perspective to my work while remaining deeply connected to my Iranian heritage. I am committed to preserving and celebrating this cultural heritage through my art, infusing my work with both contemporary relevance and historical depth.

Art, for me, is a means of resistance and empowerment—a way to illuminate the dark corners of society and to foster dialogue about the issues that matter most. My goal is to create work that not only engages the viewer aesthetically but also challenges them to reflect on the complexities of freedom, identity, and human rights.