"The Dawn is Too Far: Stories of Iranian-American Life" is compelling documentary that highlights the untold stories of eight Iranian Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area, weaving together personal narratives from both Iran and the United States. Co-directed by Persis Karim, the film offers a poetic and multifaceted perspective that challenges the predominance of negative media portrayals in the USA. The documentary delves into the experiences of the Bay Area's Iranian diaspora, exploring how their lives and work were shaped by this unique region while also showcasing their profound contributions to its cultural and social fabric. Featuring rare archival footage, the film presents a rich and layered narrative that brings new depth to our understanding of this community.

Director(s): Persis Karim & Soumyaa Behrens | 2024 | 55 Min.
Language: English
Country: USA

Screenings and tickets

Monday 9 June 2025, 19:00

Saturday 7 June 2025, 15:00

Director(s)

Persis Karim is the director of the Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies at San Francisco State University where she also teaches in the Department of Humanities and Comparative and World Literature. She is the editor of three anthologies of Iranian diaspora literature, and has published numerous articles about Iranian diaspora literature and culture for academic journals, as well as poetry and essays in non-academic publications. “The Dawn is Too Far: Stories of Iranian-American Life,” is her first film and reflects her interest in documenting and sharing the larger history and personal stories of those who are part of the global Iranian diaspora.