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I just discovered this film and it brought back memories of my daughter's Persian wedding 5 years ago. We are Mexican American and Christian at that so this was definitely a huge chunk of culture shock for us but in the end love is what binded it all together. Many people tried to convince us differently but in our hearts we knew it was going to be okay.I truly love my persian son and I know he loves my daughter to the end so there are no doubts or uneasiness on my part. I look at it now as a door opened for us to learn about another people that has also suffered discrimination because of race and religion. My son made a comment that Persian and Mexican aren't much different when it comes to family and food. We all revolve around both! Thank you for such a great documentary and love story.
This is a wonderful documentary. I loved it so much that I teared up in the end. Thank you Marjan for showing us your father's beautiful country. Thank you for showing us what amazing people Iranians truly are and how they are people just like everyone else. There is so much hatred against Iranians in the US but the documentary put everything in perspective. I loved the historical aspect of the movie because it put everything in perspective. Iranians don't like the US government because of what i has done to Iran and not because they don't like the American people. I was really touched by Heather and Alex's story. They seem like amazing people with really big hearts. Alex - Heather is a keeper. I am touched that an American, from a republican family nonetheless is open minded enough to visit Iran and have an Iranian wedding over there. I loved how both Heather and Alex were not stuck up and appreciated Iran for what it is. Instead of trying to preach or criticize, this documentary sheds light on a culture and people with so much beauty and love.
How does the couple feel about what is happening in Iran today? The protests with the recent election...
Hi,
The bride was very courageous...too bad her father is such a neo-con. Saw your wedding journey to Iran. Iran has a beautiful culture....too bad about the politic (govt.) and religious intolerance. Hope the brides father saw the film and has adjusted his attitude......... for her sake.
Hello,
I enjoyed watching the film on WNED here in Toronto. What Marjan did was a remarkable step to remind Americans that Iranians are not enemy of the United States. By going back to August 19 1953, it becomes quite evident that all the tensions including the US Embassy affairs,and few decades back, imposing a dictator on the country, crippling the economy, and finally the situation we are now, have all its roots in the foreign policy of imperialism and racism of The United States agains Iran. Other personalities like "Noam Chomsky" in his writings and "Stephen Kinzer" in the book "All Shah's Men" pointed out these important hostorical facts, but marjan work can reach lots of ordinary people in its own entertaining way.
I loved the movie. Congratulations. The love that was so evident between Alex and Heather is reminiscent of a dear friend of mine who has been married to an Iranian-American for 20+ happy years. Thank you for the refreshing and educational movie. It's a beautiful testament to the power of love for one's country of origin, family and partner. As an immigrant the movie held a special significance.
Marjan JAN! I just finished watching the film, and wanted to thank you and your family, Alex & Heather specially, for sharing this great experience with us viewers.
Hi, I enjoyed it very much. Congratulation and good luck to both of you.
Thanks,
Rino
just wanted to say thank you so much for the documentary! I watched it and am so glad you have put something positive out there about Iran. I am an American married to an Iranian. We have been married for 17 years and together for 19....Funny! We met on Norooz. We have wanted to go to Iran for many years, but because of the way my husband left the country and because of the objections of my family, we haven't. This past weekend, we learned of the death of my husband, Amir's grandmother. We wished we could have been there for our family. Now, after seeing your movie, we are calling today and beginning the process of obtaining all our documents.(I'd love to know everything your brother, Alex and Heather had to go through to get theirs!) Thanks again for your inspiration!
Wonderful film. Thank you for introducing us to a country and culture that are so often misrepresented in the news media.
Terrific film! I am in the process of planning a trip to Iran in the Spring of 2010 with some friends (I am not an Iranian-American). I enjoyed seeing some of the places I plan to visit, as well as seeing the warmth of the people. Friends I know who have previously travelled to Iran said the warmth and hospitality of the Iranian people is what they remember the most. If people could travel to these places, they would realize that people around the world have much in common - the desire to live in peace and provide for themselves and their family. Especially after seeing this film, I can't wait to go!
Excellent and sweet peice, interesting to see the real people and not just those who are dangerous and threatening to Isreal and those they consider Infidels. As another writer points out, since the star is actually a Jew, since his mother was a Jew,why didn't he have a Jewish Persian wedding, it's the same deal with even more fanfare. Could it be that Jews in Iran are still four class citizens and have in recent years many have been branded spys for Isreal and the US and sent to prisions with little more then a staged trial and Jews are forced to denounce Isreal for the media there. Just wondering if that was what the young ladies at the university meant by their desire to live in the US because there is more freedom and they weren't Jews and did that have something to do with his decision to get married by a mullah, I'm sure his mother is not smiling down from heaven regrding that.
Good show none the less,
Jeff
Heather's father represents the absolute and total ignorance of mainstream Americans on their own country's foreign policies, historical and still in today's perspective. If his own daughter is marrying an Iranian man, wouldn't you think he would have at least the decency to crack open a book and read up a little on the turbulent history of that country and the US government involvement - for their own means only. While the Americans and British were
siphoning off 85% of Iranian's natural resources to line their own pockets, 85% of Iranians were illiterate, half starved and living in abject poverty. Her father made himself look like a total small minded idiot when confronted with the truth of the US/Iranian situation by the family relative. He so obviously had no idea what he was talking about. "Bush made some wise decisions??" Which planet does this guy live on? How many Iranians were involved with 9/11? Hello, Iranians don't even speak Arabic. They can't even communicate with Arabs. Bush did nothing except leave office with a saecastic smile on his face, and a wake of death, destruction and pain behind him. He was oblivious to the choas he has left for others to clean up after him.
There is one more piece of Iranian culture Heather's father would do well to study. Family shame. There are very few Iranians who would do anything to bring shame on their family & risk explusion. Education and sucess are of paramount importance to Iranians. None in their right mind would risk ostrasizing the family by bringing shame on them - ie blowing up innocent people. Its the Arabs, Taliban and Pakistani's etc that hate Americans. Iranians hate the American government NOT AMERICANS. They love America.
I am American married to an Iranian for 31 years. It has not been an easy road. We have 2 adult sons who exhibit many of the same feelings Alex had for his father's home country. Though both by sons have been to Iran recently.
I felt Heather's inlaws did not prepare her for the "overthetop" extravaganza they call a wedding in Iran. Weddings can last for days even weeks. Life is so boring in Iran, a wedding is just another excuse for the family of the bride and groom to party. The actual wedding is just a side bar.
Iranian culture is so complex that even after all these years I have a hard time understanding it. Well that's not true. I understand it perfectly well, I'm just exhausted with the endless phony taroff and silly games.
However, I did visit Iran in 1995, and politics aside I can safely say it is probably THE most beautiful natural country in the world. The drive from Teheran to the Caspian Sea is miles and miles of mountain road, following unspoilt and natural habitat that is just breathtaking. Not a McDonalds in sight. We couldn't get enough of it. The smell as you come down the Alborz mountains towards the tea and rice plantations is something you will never smell anywhere else; not to mention the abundance of beautiful land, flowers, trees, mountains and natural waterfalls and rivers.
Even without the oil, Iran could make millions and millions on tourism alone. The people practice taroff in every sentence but they are also kind, generous, funny with a great sense of humor - esp. of the ridiculous. They fall over themselves to make a guest comfortable and would give you the shirt from their back if you needed it even if it was the only one they had.
It makes me livid that the mullahs have destroyed what is a magnificent country with thousands of years of culture, history and not to mention the best food anywhere. The architecture is unsurpassed.
When the revolution took place in 1978 we all though naively it would be over soon and things would return to normal. 30 years later we are still waiting. Will it happen before we die?
so i am always amazed how we as in "iranians" can be so nostalgic, loving and mystical on film. We can describel love and passion and compassion to the fullest, but in actions we always FAIL..It sadens me to see this..
The film yet again another lovely work of art and the ability to show human depth passion and compassion, but you visit any of your friends or khlaeh , daee or amoo and ameh.. and you will feel the bitterness the distrust and the sad double standards in us as people i am sure many out of pride will disagree but we all know the truth in our hearts.... i ache for that day when i can call a fellow iraniand doosteh vagheii...hamdameh dorost kaar and a charitable human being...
in search of....
layla
Thank you so much for this film. It was a wonderful story and it introduced me to a beautiful culture and country that I knew nothing about. It has piqued my interest in Iran and I look forward to learning more about it. Thanks again.
So sweet, makes me want to visit Iran. I remember very well the Iranian hostage crisis, and the times when it was very tense between our countries. We in the U.S. need to study more about people in different worlds, to know how we are very much the same-- in the ways that count. Most people here do not know about the way our government has meddled in the affairs of other countries. We always think we are the innocent ones. We are so brainwashed and we need to educate ourselves. I fervently hope that we can grow up, look at the world with this new knowledge and that our governments can have a détante... it really is the only way we can survive.
This was an amazing film. I am an Iranian-American-Jew. Was born in Iran, and I too married an American wife. Just wondering if Alex considers himself Jewish or not since his mother Sharon was. Again, kudos on a wonderfully made film. It really tells the story of my country, people with open hearts and welcoming customs.
This is a beautiful film! It was wonderful to see Iran through the eyes of people rather than politicians and it really gave me a sense of hope for the future. Thank you for airing this on PBS and for having the courage to tell the story.
I just finished watching this film and was inspiried by the love stories of Iran and of the couple. Thank you for opening my eyes about a country I knew really nothing about. This was my first Independent Lens film. If they are all as captivating and eye opening as this one, you have me hooked. Beautiful work.
Thanks to all involved in the production and airing of this exemplar documentary. I look forward to seeing more from this team.
The movie was a lovely tribute to family. We're basically all the same. Also I didn't realize Iran was so beautiful.
I love all the difficult real moments.Since my mother is American, my father Iranian and my husband is American/Cuban, I relate to the emotional aspects of your film. I was pleased to see you were able to artistically describe the struggle and pride that comes from these two cultures merging together. Bravo!
First I want to say how much I enjoy "Independent lens" every program that I view has been outstanding. Having friends from Iran via the internet brought their country to life seeing it featured in this program. I was touched by the Iranian people who show the heart of the country. The politicians do not show the spirit of the Iranians. The film was so well put together combining many elements and what a great ending with the birth of a beautiful daughter. Best wishes to Alex and Heather and all who put the film together. They deserve an award for their great talent.
I could only see the last 20 minutes of your show but you made me and my American wife cry! Our kids are 21, 17, and 12 and we have been to Iran 3 times. I am trying to find out when is the next show in my area. I would love to meet you if you ever come to Northern California.
I am looking forward to watching this movie. I am a Canadian woman and I married a Persian man. We also travelled to Iran after our Islamic Wedding here in Canada. I too had to get an Iranian Passport and Birth Certificate. I am looking forward to seeing someone else's experiences. I loved it in Iran...The people and the country are very beauiful. Kelly
You two are willing to go great strides for one another, and that is something amazing. Good luck!
Powerful documentary about love and marriage transcending cultural, religious and racial boundaries . I enjoyed how the documentary cultivated in its mix the history of the Iranian revolution to empower the viewer about the role of politics and the derivation it played in carving and affecting the lives of ordinary people .
To the powers that be in Washington , to ostracise to the world that Iran is a threat and a theological order doesnt justify credence to the evil imperialistic hand it imposed to change the Iranian leadership with its own brand of democracy , one that failed through revolution ,discourse and uprooting and instead regressed a nation to a rule of fundamentalist law and governing
If you had an hand in creating the monster that you see it(Iran) to be now , then you should be quiet in your rhetoric and extend a hand of diplomacy to foster peace and understanding.
I was fascinated by this wonderful film! It was very interesting to get a glimpse of a part of the world I've been curious about for many years. I have dear friends from Iran who've shared some of their life's stories and have prepared fabulous Persian meals for my family. To be able to see their beautiful country through modern eyes was terrific. Thank you for a charming story!
I loved the Arusi wedding film. Tehran and the other areas of Iran were beautiful. I felt as though I was on the trip with the bride and groom. The Iranian family was very welcoming and the people of Iran who interacted with the visiting family were warm and curious. Thank you for making this film and bringing the rest of us into the Iranian life. Ernestine McGlynn
Congratulation, I have lived in Iran for 30 years and I am living in US. I don't agree with you about Iran's people and more than 50% of them like their government (more than US people) not 5%. It reduces your documentary. I hope I watch more better from you.
M.I
I really enjoyed the movie and learned a lot about the history of Iran. Congrats to the couple and I thank them for sharing their story. We have to continue the work of embracing other cultures...this story shows that once we step out of our comfort zone, there's a whole world waiting for us! Again, thanks for a great story!
Thank you all for such a wonderful film. Heather and Alex, best wishes to you and your family. Your little girl is precious. I hope you have many very happy years together. Thank you for allowing us to see a glimpse of your love story. Marjan, I'm a fan! You did an outstanding job of telling this whole story. I look forward to seeing more of your work. Could there possibly be the makings of another project from what you cut out of this one?
I turned on this documentary 1/2 way through, but I quickly saw PBS has aired another amazing, insightful program that probably wouldn't get featured by other networks. It was one of those things I wish everyone would watch & learn a little something.
Observing and trying to understand other cultures eliminates the animosity bred by governments and mass media. This film gives a truly interesting glimpse of the beauty of Iranian culture that represents the sensibilities of local traditions as well as modern attitudes.
Iran is a society with vibrant creativity, rich relationships, and the common humanity, good and bad, found everywhere we exist. It's nice to see the many realities of the country presented in such a personal way. It made me feel like I was traveling along!
Great work and thanks to all involved!
I just watched the Arusi Persian Wedding and enjoyed it thoroughly. I would love to go to Iran and other countries in the Middle East some day. Until then, I have to visit the countries and meet the people via film and books. I wish that EVERYONE would become as addicted to Inependant Lens as I am!
I will like to take the time to let your organization know how much I appreciated the well put documentary "Arusi Persian Wedding" I learned a lot about the differences in both of our country. I was moved by how humble and welcoming people in Iran are! It provided me a lot of great insight that I wasn't aware of as an American. Great Documentary!
My applause and thanks for your portrayal of a vibrant and warm Iranian people. Our American audience is always well served by straightforward views of commonality in the human experience. Again, my sincere thanks.
a beautiful, soulful and honest film; very compelling...and what an awesome wedding, loved it.
I just finished watching...What a beautiful story about this couple! I truely loved it!
I'm absolutely amazed at the movie, the story, the country and most of all, the people. Young American woman handles unfamiliar environment and tense situations with poise, grace, sophistication & thoughtfulness. Heather’s talent for diplomacy is incredible.
The movie is deep in history of Iran, yet touching with details of ordinary people, living their lives, opening their homes and hearts to people with the camera. Curious, passionate, intelligent, interesting and often funny people make the story complete. Well done.
Thank you PBS for sharing this story with us.
I had an opportunity to view "Arusi Persian Wedding". I was captivated in the way that the Iranian culture was portrayed. The people, the culture, and the geographical area are Biblical. As I study the Bible, documentaries from that part of the globe put a face on God's people. I also have a better understanding of the historical conflicts that have led to the current tensions that unfortunately divides our countries today. Hopefully, someday our entire global community will learn how to move beyond ethnocentric ideals and genuinely respect and appreciate another's culture. Thanks for creating an impressive film.
I watched the movie with my husband and cousin last night, loved it , called all my American and Iranian neighbors and friends to watched it too.
To Heather : I feel for you girl! I wanna come back to US after a week being there and I've spent 25 years of my life in Iran, everybody is nice to you no matter you are Iranian or not but the atmosphere is so stressful.you look hot even in MANTOO and ROOSARI :-)
Love
Maryam
Thank you for showing a glimpse of the history of oil in Iran; and the outrage this country feels for being dominated by the Western world for its resources.
All the points you touched upon, I hope, will make a quiet gentle rumble between the two worlds (Iran and US). Showing Heather’s fathers views and his fear of seeing his daughters life taking a path towards the “Axis of Evil”; will hopefully open his heart to learning more about our world with more of an open mind and not through the lens of the Bush/Cheney regime.
Your brother’s interview with the editor of a Tehran newspaper and his comments about Persian American’s in this country and their indifference/fear (?) about speaking out and making a change in both worlds moved me.
My thoughts for this New Year are that more brilliant artists like you are encouraged to have a voice and show the beauty and complexities in our world. How you weaved everything together from the history of oil through the marriage of two people in love in a one hour documentary was absolutely wonderful.
As a child of an Anglo American mother and Persian father I thank you for voicing these conflicting feelings I have had throughout my life. Happy New Year!
Nice work by the filmmaker. I liked where Alex and Heather traveled around before the wedding which showed a different perspective of Iran and its people's normal life compared to what we, normally, see in the news. It sort of makes me want to visit but I prefer the governmental situation to be more stable.
I watched your program and congratulations on your marriage and the birth of your child. But I have to say I was disappointed. I have been to Iran couple of times in the past years and there is much more to see and to do and to eat and to meet than your film was showing. I know the focus was the wedding between two people from different backgrounds/cultures. But Iran especially in Tehran and the Caspian sea has much more to offer that your film portrayed.
A pleasure to watch, and really enjoyed Alex's photographs as well. I am American born & half Iranian - have not had the chance to go to Iran yet - but hope to some day. Thanks for showcasing the complexity of the culture and history through the path these two took together. Tremendous courage on the couple's part to share their story. Beautiful!
I really loved the movie. WELL DONE!
Thank you for sharing your story. My husband and I were reminded somewhat of our wedding in Turkey and the experiences we had at that time traveling with my American family through "real" Turkey to meet their new inlaws. It was the kind of experience that is difficult to put into words, but which your film portrays beautifully - I hope many people see and share your film!
Just watched this film on PBS. I loved it. Traveling, love, food, family stories all mixed with historical context. This film shows the power of government propaganda on both Iran's and the USA's sides, as well as the yearning for just plain living for most people. Unfrotunately, most US-Americans are ignorant about Iran since our government and mainstream media do such a great job depicting Iran as a backward hellish evil place. I am sure many Iranians get that message from their government about the USA as well.
There's always room for understanding and reconciliation. The editor of the Iran News was interesting when he said that peopl in the USA who advocate for Iran should come to Iran and do it. Maybe he's right. US-Americans are so keen to jump onto causes, but not so keen to jump into causes. Being affiliated with a cause, membership in some group, or even attending a few rallies doesn't make a person a cultural crusdaer for healing cultural wounds.
This film, however, is. And that's why I love it. Good for the filmakers and PBS for putting this whole thing together. We need to learn.
Excellent film. I was very moved. I'm an American who is of Iranian ethnicity (on my father's side), and am around the same as the groom in the film. I mention this here because what he went through - as an Iranian growing up in America during the hostage situation - resonated for me.
I greatly enjoyed and appreciate this program - the political history of Iran and America was so eloquently and finely discussed, and the events leading up to the wedding were moving and sweet.
To the filmmaker - thank you for doing such a wonderful documentary. You did a great job, and you have such a sweet brother and sister-in-law. They are a great couple!!
(And to the man who posted the silly comment about the "not without my daughter" movie. Note that my mother is an American. She has been married to my father for about 40 years. They are still together and doing well, thank you very much. My father would never behave the way you suggested. He is one of the kindest persons I have known in my life. He is a medical doctor who believes in democracy, rights for all people, and freedom.)
Cheers!!
congratulation to both, can not waittttt to this. some iranians try to have a wedding here in america, now heather goes to iran and gets marry, what a wonderfull story.
Hi - I just saw your documentary and it took me back to my first time in Iran in 2002. I am a first generation Chinese American who married an Iranian man. We got married in Iran as Alex and Heather did for the same reasons - so that his family can be fully involved in the festivities. I felt the same kind of emotions as Heather did in a foreign land. Everyone was so friendly, but I felt suffocated and isolated at the same time. I do not know whether it is cultural or whether it had to do with the stark contrast of how you should be in public versus private settings.
My husband and I have two sons now - 3 and 4 yrs old. We have been traveling back to Iran every year during Norooz for the past 3 years so that my sons can see their grandparents in Tehran. I have no issues with my husband or my in laws wanting to keep me or my sons in Iran. It's wonderful to see my husband's family lavish so much attention on us. We will be leaving for Tehran in a few days (Eid eh Shoma Mobarak!!).
Congratulations to Alex and Heather on the birth of your daughter! I hope that you will take her to Iran one day to see all the wonderful things you guys saw.
Warmest Regards,
Linda
Just watched the movie with some Pakistani-American friends. When the forces of politics are absent people are very much intrigued and want to share life and culture and enjoy it. Very well made movie and shines a light on human love. I wish them the best. Traveling can be very enlightening. I hear from people who have travelled that Pakistani people are very friendly too and very much want to see relationships with USA grow in every aspect.
Fantastic program. Great story mixed with tid bids of Iran's History, culture, way of life and the struggle we have with America and our identy (Iranian's living in U.S.). This show left me with tears. I loved it. And that guy who is talking about the move "Not without my daughter", I say the truth was stretched, there is always an exception. When it comes to Iranian men look at his father, is he a heavy duty Moslem, who rules the house... Then you need to look closer.
I like to see a program that focuses on Iranian's who live across america and what I call their Identity struggle.
Thanks again for a great show. I have to watch it again.
Beware good looking American blonds. To Heather and Dione I suggest they watch the movie Not Without My Daughter with Sally Fields. It is a true story. Your Iranian husband WILL change living back in Iran and you won't. I lived in Teheran in the "good" times under the Shah, when life was relativly sane, and saw all this first hand. Good luck.
I cant wait to see this movie!! I am in the SAME situation that Heather was. I am dating an American born Persian man and I am American and he wants to move to Iran and I have a lot of apprehension, so I think this movie will really help me answer a lot of question. If anyone else has any links or documentaries about persians/american marrying, and or living in Iran please pass along the information!!!
Merci!
Dione
I found this to be a touching and lyrical story and beautifully made. Having been to Iran, Marjan has really captured the complexity of the society, the warmth of ordinary people. I can't wait to see what she makes next - I'm a fan!
It's takes A LOT of LOVE and SUPPORT from Heather to marry Alex under the Islamic Law and get an Iranian Passport! Alex: She's a keeper bro and I wish you lots and lots of happy moments and years to come!
Good Work. It take a lot of courage to do this kind of things, specially these days. Congratulation on your Arusi and wish you both good healthy long marriage life. Best Wishes: Hamid
I can't wait to see the film ,but I saw the beautiful photos, very nice. Thank you for sharing.
