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KCET Presents 'Bridge to Iran' A Five-Part Documentary Series Exploring Modern Iranian Society and the Vibrant Persian Culture

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Burbank, Calif. - Oct. 17, 2013 - KCET, the

nation's largest independent public television station, presents a unique

five-part documentary series, Bridge to Iran, exploring the rich lives of Iranian citizens and the vibrant Persian

culture. With more than half a million Iranians

living in Los Angeles, the series fills a knowledge gap by providing Angelenos

with an insider's view on modern Iranian society, through documentaries by

Iranian directors, living both inside Iran and within the Iranian diaspora. The

series begins on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 9 p.m. and will air every Tuesday until

Nov. 26.  

Bridge to Iran presents

memorable characters, confronted with a wide range of obstacles and

opportunities as they navigate their lives through a changing social and

political landscape. The series is a direct response to the cultural

misunderstandings and political tensions that have developed between Iran and

the U.S. since the Iranian revolution. It also avoids simplistic

categorizations and stereotypes about Iran to provide new insights and

understandings of a nation, a people, and culture that most Americans have

little knowledge.  

Host Parisa Soultani,

who adds layers of meaning through personal interviews with each filmmaker,

introduces each program in the series. Episode descriptions and airdates are as

follows:

Oct. 29 at 9 p.m.

The Queen and I is Nahid

Persson Sarvestani's thought-provoking documentary about her friendship with

Queen Farah, the wife of the Shah of Iran, demonstrates how even those at most

odds -- politically, idealistically -- can find middle ground and

understanding.

Nov. 5 at 9 p.m.

Iran: A HYPERLINK "http://www.linktv.org/bridgetoiran/iran-a-cinematographic-revolution"CinematograpphicHYPERLINK "http://www.linktv.org/bridgetoiran/iran-a-cinematographic-revolution" Revolution traces the development of the Iranian film industry,

which has always been closely intertwined with the country's tumultuous

political history.

Nov. 12 at 9 p.m.

SiahHYPERLINK "http://www.linktv.org/bridgetoiran/siah-bazi" HYPERLINK "http://www.linktv.org/bridgetoiran/siah-bazi"BaziHYPERLINK "http://www.linktv.org/bridgetoiran/siah-bazi"- The HYPERLINK "http://www.linktv.org/bridgetoiran/siah-bazi"Joymakers offers a

look at how folkloric entertainment is challenged by modern political and

economic changes in Tehran. Siah Bâzi theater

troupes -- similar to Commedia dell'arte -- traditionally performed at weddings

and parties led by men and women in full harlequin garb making impromptu skits

peppered with subtle commentary on current events and politics. When Tehran's

troupe faces the closing of their 400-year-old theater due to changing cultural

shifts, the performers face uncertain futures as truck drivers and tea-servers.

Nov. 19 at 9 p.m.

We Are Half of Iran's Population provides an

extraordinarily intimate and timely look at the country. Three months before Iran's presidential elections Iranian women's rights

activists -- consisting of a vast spectrum of different points of view from

religious to secular and ordinary women -- are filmed posing their questions to

the 10 candidates and three of them discuss their opinions after watching the

film. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, however, is not willing to take part in the film or

to respond.

Nov. 26 at 9 p.m.

Where Do I Belong? plunges into an unusual and

seldom-discussed phenomenon transpiring in the Middle East, whereby Afghans --

fleeing poverty, war and destitution -- illegally resettle in Iran and enter

nuptial relationships with Persian women. This occurs even despite

inter-marital cultural conflicts and a broader Iranian socio-cultural framework

not gamely poised to accept interracial romance or marriage.

ABOUT KCET

On-air, online and in the community, KCET plays a vital

role in the cultural and educational enrichment of Southern and Central California.

KCET offers a wide range of award-winning local programming as well as the

finest public television programs from around the world. Throughout its nearly

50-year history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and

regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and

documentary productions, its quality educational family and children's

programs, its outreach and community services and its website, kcet.org. KCET

is a donor-supported community institution. For additional information about

KCET productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community

events, please visit kcet.org. KCET is a service of KCETLink.

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