Film Screening and Discussion of independent film by Iranian-Canadian journalist and filmmaker, Maziar Bahari.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: 235 North Stevens Hall
“To Light A Candle” is an independent film by Iranian-Canadian journalist and filmmaker, Maziar Bahari. It derives its title from what is an old Chinese proverb: Don’t rail against the darkness—light a candle. It chronicles the lives of Iran’s Bahá’ís, who, through their commitment to spreading knowledge, have triumphed against incredible hardship. Through personal stories, powerful interviews and extensive archive footage, the film documents the establishment of the Bahá’ís Higher Institute of Education, which has used the power of learning and teaching to strengthen its community and combat persecution. Bahari, who is not a member of the Bahá’í community, said the film will appeal to those who care about Iran, human rights, and education. “To Light a Candle” is about resisting oppression with knowledge instead of force.
Humanitarian Parivash Rohani will also be present to discuss the film and share her experience of growing up in Iran until she was sent to India by her family at 18 to escape the systematic persecution of the religious minority Bahá’í faith. She is actively involved in the world-wide campaign “Education is not a crime.” Rohani lives in Auburn, Maine, with her husband, fellow Iranian native Nassar Rohani, and their four children.