Accessibility Links

A Revolution on Canvas

1h 35m Documentary 2023

European Digital Premiere

For info about our in person screenings, please go to ff.hrw.org/london

This film has open captions. Audio Described version of this film is available by purchasing the version titled: “Audio Described Version: A Revolution on Canvas” on this festival platform (HERE)

This art-heist-thriller-meets-portrait-documentary delves into the disappearance of over 100 “treasonous” paintings by the co-director’s father, revolutionary Iranian artist Nickzad (Nicky) Nodjoumi.
After an exhibition of Iranian artist Nicky Nodjoumi’s work in 1980 is declared critical of the regime, it is vandalised by Islamist radicals, and he is forced to flee Iran. Decades later, as protests erupt in Iran again, Nicky and his daughter Sara dive into the mystery surrounding the disappearance of more than 100 of his “treasonous” paintings. The result is a political thriller with intimate conversations that reveal the power of art, sacrifice, and family.

Courtesy of HBO Documentary Films

“Eventually the central event of my father’s life—the revolution and subsequent vandalisation of his art show in Tehran—led us to a film that hopefully pays tribute to both my parents’ art and life while also helping me understand the origins and mysteries of our homeland and family better.” - Sara Nodjoumi, co-director, A Revolution on Canvas

Content advisory: This film contains archival footage and images of violent protests including police violence, shootings, dead bodies, gunfire, and execution.

We do not want the cost of entry to be a barrier for participation in the festival. If the price of buying a ticket to this film would prevent you from participating, please email the following address (filmticket@hrw.org) + you will receive an auto-reply email with a free ticket code. We have set aside a set # of tickets per film on a first come first-served basis. Once the free tickets are no longer available, the code will no longer work. For anyone that purchases a ticket, we appreciate your support. Your ticket purchase enables us to make tickets free for those who might otherwise be unable to watch. This also allows the festival to support the filmmakers for sharing their work in our festival and for the festival to cover the cost of hosting the films online.

Co-Director

Sara Nodjoumi

Co-Director

Till Schauder

Languages

English, Farsi

Country

United States