Evolving Realities: From Documentary Photography and Filmmaking to the Age of AI
I will be presenting my research, Evolving Realities: From Documentary Photography and Filmmaking to the Age of AI, as part of the public programming series accompanying the Blurred Realities exhibition, hosted by the Michigan State University Museum CoLab Studio in 2026. For more information, please visit the source link from Michigan State University at https://museum.msu.edu/explore/colab-studio/.
My Favorite Lecture: Vahid Valikhani The Cultural Lens: Understanding the Dynamic Meanings of Photographic Imagery
A lecture for photography enthusiasts, both amateurs and professionals, focusing on the analysis of photographs through the lens of cultural theories and the cultural contexts in which they were created. This lecture aims to provide a critical understanding of the formal and conceptual aspects of photographic images. By incorporating traditional, nontraditional, and experimental photographic processes, this lecture offers students an introductory understanding of contemporary art, fostering critical thinking in the practice of image-making.
The inspiration for this lecture came from Marvin Heiferman's book "Photography Changes Everything," which provocatively rethinks photography's impact on our culture and daily lives. This interdisciplinary dialogue on photography's capacity to shape and change our experience of the world moved me profoundly a few years ago.
Overall, this lecture seeks to deepen participants' appreciation of the multifaceted nature of photography, emphasizing the interplay between cultural context, technological evolution, and artistic innovation. By examining a wide array of photographic works, attendees will gain insights into the rich history and ongoing development of this dynamic art form.
Frame by frame
The Hippodrome Cinema is thrilled to show everyone the showcase we have prepared for this inaugural event. It features the films we've carefully selected from among all the submissions that were generously submitted to us from 53 different creators in and around Gainesville.
This event not only marks the beginning of a series of future showcases but also serves as a dedicated platform to highlight the rich talent of Gainesville's local filmmakers, providing a stage for young creatives to present their work. Our aim is to bring together the filmmaker community, fostering collaboration and igniting inspiration for creative growth. Embark on this cinematic journey with us as we celebrate and support our local talent!
Unveiling Estrangement: The Ambivalence of Iranian Cultural Unveiling Estrangement: The Ambivalence of Iranian Cultural Identity in Documentary Films Identity in Documentary Films
Through the analysis of three influential Iranian documentary films spanning different periods—Tehran Today (1962) by Ahmad Faroughi Ghajar, Newcomers (1979) by Kianoush Ayari, and Tehran Without Permission (2009) by Sepideh Farsi—I examine diverse manifestations of estrangement within Iranian society depicted in each film and advocate for a heterogeneous understanding of Iranian cultural identity.