Ardeshir Mohasses: The Rebellious Artists

Ardeshir Mohasses (1938-2008) was Iran's foremost political cartoonist, satirist, painter and illustrator. Drawing upon his intimate knowledge of Iran's culture, history, and sociopolitical situation, Ardeshir attracted the attention not only of the intellectuals, poets and writers of Iran of the time but also the international community. The filmmaker seeks to portray the beauty of Ardeshir's purpose and power in crafting his art to convey the plight of the oppressed, and his universal sense of justice and tyranny, expressed visually. Interviews with prominent critics and friends around the world are arranged to depict the nuances of Ardeshir's life: his time and career in Iran, his art and passion later in the United States, sources of his brilliant inspiration, his private reclusive moments, and his progressive political and social outlook. Ardeshir's assorted artistic endeavors are comprehensively covered, and viewers will see samples of his political cartoons, visual commentaries, and works for the New York Times and his avant-garde style. This feature documentary masterfully displays the depth of Ardeshir's observations and his extraordinary free spirit.