Persian Observer

By Iman Sadri September 23, 2025 Kayvon Derak-Shanian‘s new short film ‘Living in Fear‘ is a poignant film reflective of today’s turbulent times. Set in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks in suburban America, the Oscar qualifying film tells the story of a young teen living in constant fear due to his Middle Eastern background. Nour Jude Assaf plays the film’s protagonist, Cameron Ameri, whose father was murdered in cold blood immediately after the 9/11 attacks.

By Iman Sadri September 16, 2024 Roudabeh Pakpour was recently laid to rest in Sacramento this month. She battled dementia for the past few years, an affliction that came about swiftly. Roudabeh Joon, as she was affectionately called by her students was a very important and special figure in my life. She was my Farsi teacher from age 8 until 14. From third grade until early high school Wednesday afternoons were spent at Roudabeh Joon’s house.

By Iman Sadri September 15, 2024 Nazanin Nour is a mult-talented Iranian American actress, stand-up comedian, writer, producer, host, filmmaker, TV presenter and activist. Her wit and on screen persona catapulted to her to becoming a judge on Persia’s Got Talent – along with Ebi and Arash. Her acting has been seen her in a myriad of television appearances and episodics. Nazanin’s on screen work in The Last King has gained critical acclaim and the film is poised for many awards circuit festivals.

June 7, 2024 Necar Zadegan stars as Evelyn Foley, assistant district attorney for the City of Kingstown, who is secretly having an affair with Mike. Necar graces the most recent cover of The Persian Observer in print.

February 7, 2024 By Iman Sadri The Ariarad sisters are to Persian cuisine what the Williams sisters (Serena + Venus) are to tennis. Ana + Mahta Ariarad. Two young entrepreneurs with decades of culinary experience already between them. They are the founders and owners of Irvine Grill and Aria Kitchen, two outstanding locales in the heart of Orange County. Irvine Grill is far and away the best Persian restaurant in Irvine. Aria Kitchen is a Spanish-Persian fusion with an eclectic menu of flavors.

November 28, 2023 Melika Jamshidabadi is an emerging star filmmaker who has already illuminated the celestial heavens of Hollywood. Melika has already won more accolades in a short timespan than most filmmakers will accumulate over decades. Her film, When I Grow Up, a powerful short was the Cash Prize Award winner at the LA Shorts Film Festival this year. Melika is as humble as she is talented, and as elegant in front of the camera as her filmmaking prowess is behind it.

Don’t miss a great charity concert Saturday February 10 2024 • Barclay Theater Irvine 7:30 PM : Tickets 🎫 @ MakanFoundation.org Performances by Mohsen Namjoo Kaveh Karandish + Mahzetar + Faezeh

By Iman Sadri November 19, 2023 The Persian Observer : Thanks you for chatting with The Persian Observer. Please describe your early life education and upbringing. Ramin Sohrab : I had the privilege of spending a significant part of my formative years in Finland, having relocated from Tehran with my family when I was just 5 years old. Growing up in Finland provided me with a diverse and enriching educational experience.

November 5, 2023 By Iman Sadri They say everything is bigger in Texas. This hold true for two Persian power players who have been doing it big in Dallas for decades. We are referring to none other than the Abassi boys. Payam and Parham Abbasi have been creating a legacy in music and real estate for a generation in The Big D. Their reputation precedes them nationally among many in the diaspora visiting Dallas.

November 18, 2023 By Iman Sadri Cafe Naderi in Irvine is a throwback to the glory days of Tehran (1960-1975). The restaurant, adjacent to Wholesome Choice, is much more than a cafe. The menu boasts a wide array of Persian delicacies. Lamb kabob, beef koobeedeh, tahcin, and even delicacies such as jigar. Cafe Naderi boasts an impressive Persian breakfast menu also, that’s served all day. Try their Persian Omelette – traditional mix of tomato 🍅 eggs 🍳 served with a side of pickled cucumber.