Iranian born directorexplores rich tapestry of our new diversity

‘Tapestry of Colours’ includes highlights from a performance by local group Balkan Alien Sounds and some thought provoking comments by Karen Scrivens from the town.

Zhenia was born in Iran but having lived in Northern Ireland for over 20 years.

Asked why she brought the screening to Londonderry, Zhenia explained: “I really put my heart and soul into the making of this documentary and I’ve been totally overwhelmed by the amazing responses from the general public and government and public bodies.

“I think the film appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds. So I was delighted when Derry City Council invited me to screen it here, particularly as I did some of the filming here.

“Since making the movie we have seen new unrest around identity and culture in parts of Northern Ireland and new countries becoming part of the EU so it has an added relevancy right now.”

The film brings to the surface the fact that, despite different beliefs and practices of cultures, essentially, there are human stories that bypass geography, race, belief or culture and are commonly experienced by all.

Mahdi-Nau believes it is these differences that ultimately direct, instruct and enrich our society.

She believes that “the quest to find who you are and to have a sense of belonging is not unique to any particular culture. It is this sense of belonging that helps to create the desire to contribute positively to the society we live in.”

Zhenia was influenced by memories of her own childhood when she and her family first left Iran to live in London.

The film undoubtedly resonates with some of her own challenges back then. Thrown into the school world, necessity became the reason for integration into the western culture, which she fully embraced.

As she then went through her teenage years with little exposure to her original culture, Zhenia felt very little affinity with it as an adult.

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