Iranian artist Maryam Tafakory has achieved remarkable success by winning this year's Film London Jarman award. Her work combines found footage with the cinematic traditions of post-revolutionary Iran, creating a unique and captivating artistic expression.

Unveiling the Stories Buried in Iranian Cinema

Work and Prize

Tafakory took the £10,000 prize for her remarkable work. Her 2020 film Irani Bag used a split-screen technique to showcase how handbags often served as stand-ins for human touch in films. This theme of censorship of intimacy runs through her diverse body of work, from the abstract, non-linear narrative film Nazarbazi (2022) to the following year's Mast-del, which explored a forbidden relationship between two women.This shows her ability to delve deep into complex themes and present them in a visually stunning and thought-provoking manner.

Background and Education

Born and raised in Iran but based in the UK, Tafakory dropped out of university courses in both her home country and Southampton where she was studying computer science. However, she later received a master's in fine arts from Oxford and a PhD from Kingston University.This diverse educational background likely contributed to her unique artistic perspective and ability to blend different cultures and traditions in her work.

Interview Insights

In a forthcoming interview with the Guardian, Tafakory explained how she revisited the archive of post-revolution Iranian cinema during lockdown. She aimed to "write on to them the stories that they never told us, and talk about what has always been buried in plain sight." Her work is a powerful exploration of misogyny and the absence of queer narratives within post-revolution Iranian cinema.This shows her deep connection and understanding of her cultural heritage and her determination to give a voice to the unspoken.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Screenings and exhibitions of Tafakory's work have previously taken place at prestigious venues such as New York's Museum of Modern Art, Cannes, and the Toronto International Film Festival. She has also won the Chicago International Film Festival's Gold Hugo award.This widespread recognition highlights the global impact and significance of her work, as well as her ability to connect with audiences on an international level.

Jury's Perspective

Matthew Barrington, the Barbican's cinema curator and a spokesperson for the jury, emphasized Tafakory's innovative blend of reality and fiction. Her practice is a compelling exploration of displacement, memory, and resistance, interweaving archival fragments, poetry, and personal narratives to craft deeply evocative works.Her films navigate historical and personal traumas with remarkable sensitivity, reflecting on the intersections of Iranian cultural identity and individual struggles.This showcases her artistic talent and her ability to create meaningful and impactful works that resonate with viewers on multiple levels.