The American University in Cairo’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences is hosting a talk by renowned Iranian artists and filmmakers Shirin Neshat and Shoja Azari on Wednesday 14 November at AUC’s New Cairo campus.

The dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Bruce Ferguson will moderate a discussion with the two female Iranian artists, who will discuss their recent artwork and upcoming film projects. 

Shitin Neshat was awarded the First International Prize at the Venice Biennale in 1999, among other prestigious awards from world-renowned biennales and art fairs. Her artwork tackles controversial themes such as religion, violence, madness, and gender roles in modern-day Iran.

Experimental filmmaker and multimedia artist Shoja Azari also draws upon Iranian culture for subject matter.

The pair produced a feature film in 2009 entitled Women Without Men, which was awarded the Silver Lion for best director at the Venice Film Festival. 

Neshat and Azari are currently spending time in Cairo to prepare for their second feature film as a team, which will revolve around Egyptian musical legend Um Kolthoum.