Rating 4 out of 5

I usually try to pick movies I think are more niche and different from the mainstream on plane rides. I took a chance on watching the A Revolution on Canvas movie on my recent flight because I found the trailer interesting.

Summary

The documented journey by Sara Nodjoumi to uncover what happened to the paintings created by her father, Iranian modern artist Nickzad Nodjoumi, that were thought treasonous and earned him exile from Tehran.

Movie Specs

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

• Movie: A Revolution on Canvas
• Release Date: March 5, 2024 (United States)
• Runtime: 1h 35m
• Streaming Service: HBO Max
• Genre: Documentary | Art | Revolution | Protest

My Thoughts

This documentary took you on a journey through the history of both the artist Nickzad Nodjoumi in parallel with some snippets of the revolutions and protests happening in Iran during the time. In watching this I gained more insight into how Iran had a Shah that acted as a king then protested for who they thought would allow more freedoms in the religious leader of Khomeini. Unfortunately he sought more dictator like power and the situation devolved from there.

It was in this period that Nodjoumi was creating art as a commentary to what was happening around him. Through his art he garnered attention as being against the rule of Khomeini and subsequently pushed into exile. I never realized how powerfully art could serve as such a potent force for expression of discontent or critique in the world around us. So much so that it could cause a person to become persona non grata.

While they could have challenged Nodjoumi more on his changing stances on protesting regimes and his seemingly selfish commitment to his art rather than his family, this movie served as a great exploration into how art can be a force in a revolution. I went away from this movie considering using my artwork as a means to release the worries and concerns I feel with the world around me. And I also came away with an understanding that you must be wary of what you protest for because bad actors can take advantage of a bad situation in order to enact their own agenda.

I recommend this movie for those interested in art, history, and revolution. If you have seen this movie too, please share your thoughts below!

Trailer

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