The Contemporary History of Iran - Part 8: “The Shiraz Festival Complexities”

“The Shiraz Festival Complexities” - Part 8 of the new Roqe Media series, The Contemporary History of Iran. How did an annual international summer arts festival, the Shiraz Festival of Arts, celebrated for its innovation and unprecedented mix of progressive programming, part of a series of groundbreaking Pahlavi-led initiatives for culture in Iran, also become a lightning rod for contested symbolism, accusations of elitism, ideological debate, boycotts, the monarchy, and questions around the very nature of Iran itself? Art historian, curator and writer, Vali Mahlouji joins Jian Ghomeshi from London to discuss the rise of an event that led the world with its eclectic curatorial approach and transgressive liberalism, but that still inspires a paradox of emotions from nostalgia and pride, to controversy and debate