Reflecting on the Roots of Storytelling and Screenwriting:
On Wednesday, October 21, 2025, Ahvaz BookCity hosted a memorable evening titled “The Legacy of Taghvai”, curated by Mahmoud Naderi. The event gathered cinema enthusiasts, cultural figures, and admirers of Iranian film to explore the enduring influence of Nasser Taghvai on Iranian cinema. The program concluded with the installation of a striking portrait of Taghvai—crafted by Omid Fazeli—on the southern wall of the bookstore.
Opening the event, Mahmoud Naderi welcomed attendees and reflected on Taghvai’s profound role in shaping the cultural identity of southern Iran. He announced that the evening would culminate in the unveiling of Taghvai’s portrait, symbolizing the recognition of those who have built the cultural heritage of the region.
Dr. Farhad Parvin followed with an insightful overview of Taghvai’s early works—from short television documentaries to the feature film Taxi Meter—highlighting the filmmaker’s socially conscious and intellectual lens. Parvin emphasized the multi-layered nature of Taghvai’s cinema, noting, for example, that Paper Without Lines, while framed as a domestic drama, offers profound social reflections on human relationships. Behrooz Neshan then traced the historical role of Abadan in the development of Taghvai’s cinema, recalling that with 28 active theaters, the city rivaled Tehran as a major hub for film exhibition in its era.
Artist Omid Fazeli, whose portraits now adorn the southern wall of Ahvaz BookCity, discussed the creative process behind capturing Taghvai’s image. He emphasized that this series of portraits serves not only as a tribute but as a living reminder of the individuals who have shaped the branches and roots of Iran’s cultural identity.
In the closing session, Ahmadreza Darvish reflected on the power of the artist’s voice through their work, describing the BookCity portrait wall as a “silent narrator of music and words.” He also highlighted Taghvai’s mentorship, which helped shape the new generation of Iranian filmmakers. Dr. Khosro Neshan shared personal memories, portraying Taghvai as a meticulous and principled artist who left no detail unnoticed, learning through both reflection and experience.
The evening concluded with the unveiling of Taghvai’s portrait alongside other cultural luminaries on the southern wall, followed by a group photograph. Ahvaz BookCity reaffirmed that this series—dedicated to revisiting and celebrating the artistic heritage of southern Iran—will continue, underlining its enduring mission to serve as a platform for cultural dialogue, creative reflection, and the promotion of ideas.
