Film Screening: "The Dawn is Too Far: Stories of Iranian-American Life"

Telling the Real Story of Immigrants: Iranian Americans in the Bay Area

At a time when immigrants, primarily from black and brown communities — from Mexico, to the Caribbean, and the Middle East — have been vilified and stereotyped as criminals, drug-runners and terrorists, it is especially important to hear the real story of immigrants. Iranian and Arab Americans and those from across the Middle East, have been overshadowed by decades of news headlines that portray them not as they are, but as politicians and mainstream media want to see them: as enemies and foreigners. In “The Dawn is Too Far: Stories of Iranian-American Life” we share the powerful narratives of individuals from the Bay Area Iranian diaspora community, who contribute to and creatively respond to their history, and indeed add to the richness of this region.

Co-Directors Persis Karim and Soumyaa Behrens (both of San Francisco State University) have sought to tell another story of the Iranian-American experience, amplifying not only how the Bay Area has shaped these individuals and their journeys as Iranian Americans, but also the ways that they have given back to the culture and community of San Francisco and the East Bay. The eight individuals in “The Dawn is Too Far” narrate their stories of arrival and resilience, as well as experiences of loss and alienation in the context of major historical events such as the 1979 Iranian revolution, the hostage crisis, 9/11, and most recently, the Trump Muslim Ban. By foregrounding their lives within the longer arc of Iran-US history over six decades, this documentary film highlights their participation in social and cultural movements, but also reveals the ways that they have grounded their lives here in the United States.

While this film is situated locally in the Bay Area, it portrays the experiences of many Iranian Americans who have experienced and continue to experience separation, loss, and alienation due to the chronic inability of the media and politicians to see anything but the deadlocked tension between the US and Iranian governments. But this 55-minute documentary features political activists, artists, playwrights, and a chef, who sensitively tell another story grounded in humanity, resilience, generosity and creativity. It is salve for the immigrant-bashing and racism that dominate the political discourse of this moment. It is a story of love, hope and community.

Join us on November 21 at 4:30 p.m. at the San Francisco State University Coppola Theater for a free screening of this documentary film. Reception at 4:30 p.m., film screening at 5 p.m.; Q & A to follow. 

This event is co-sponsored by the Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies, the Department of Race and Resistance Studies, the School of Cinema, and the Marcus Endowed Chair in Social Justice Film and Humanities and Comparative and World Literature.