The 2SIDED Project and Documentary Film form a unique and timely exploration of the current climate between the Middle East and the West. Since September 11^th and the more recent developments, political and cultural relations between the two seemingly different worlds have become considerably more polarised. Prescribed representations of the Eastern and Western worlds have filled the global media. More than ever, we, the public are interested in the notion of truth. Therefore, there is a greater need for different kinds of representation in order to build a more truthful picture of the Other Side. A one sided view that defines other cultures as merely different from our own is unacceptable; it is limiting and ultimately divisive.

To challenge the limiting representations of the media, 2 starkly different nations- One deemed as an Axis of Evil, the other a democratic puppet. In a complex crossfire of perceptions, Iran is often seen from the UK as an oppressive country, where the Mullahs’ fundamentalist Islamic ruling provoke a sense of distrust and the ever present media often reinforces these limiting perceptions. The UK on the other hand is seen from Iran as a cunning and powerful state with a history of colonialism; both respected for its clever political tactics and at the same time watched under suspicious eyes. From a more romantic perspective, the East evokes mysticism and the West in turn promises progress. In between these perceptions lie many layers of truth and the 2SIDED Project and Documentary Film aims to explore these truths through the eyes of 6 contemporary artists lead through an extraordinary exchange program designed and instigated by Mitra .

Watch this space for updates. For further information on this project contact Mitra.

© Mitra Memarzia