Narjes Mohammadi

In 2025, marking 80 years of freedom in the Netherlands, I was invited by Koppelkerk to curate a special animation program exploring the theme of freedom.

As part of the exhibition Stories Depict Freedom, the program looked beyond the end of World War II to examine how freedom is experienced or denied in different personal, social, and political contexts. The selected works expressed, questioned, and redefined the concept of freedom from diverse perspectives.

The program featured five animated films centred on this theme. It was deeply rewarding to see audiences connect with the films, followed by an open discussion about the meaning of freedom and how it manifests in our lives today.

In 2025, I curated a special animation program featuring works by female directors for Kino Cinema in Rotterdam. Kino is one of the city’s oldest and most important cultural venues, and it was a great honour to collaborate with them on this program.

The screening featured eight animated films from around the world and was presented to a full house. The program celebrated diverse perspectives and storytelling approaches in contemporary animation, bringing together international voices in a shared cinematic experience.

In spring 2023, I organised a Nowruz community event at Rozet in Arnhem, the Netherlands, to introduce this ancient New Year celebration to people who were not yet familiar with it.

As part of the event, I curated a collection of illustrations and animations created by artists around the theme of Nowruz. These works were exhibited to share the stories, symbols, and atmosphere of the celebration with a wider audience.

Alongside the exhibition, I hosted a hands-on workshop for children, where they painted eggs—one of the traditional symbols of Nowruz. It was heart-warming to see many children participate together with their parents and enjoy the creative process.

Nowruz marks the beginning of the New Year and the arrival of spring. It is celebrated in many countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and beyond, and represents renewal, hope, and new beginnings.

https://rozet.nl/agenda/6458/nowruz-noroez-vier-de-lente-en-het-nieuwe-jaar

In April 2024, Narjes Mohammadi curated a program at the Kaboom Animation Festival showcasing Iranian female animation and the work of women directors.

In April 2024, I curated a special program for the Kaboom Animation Festival featuring animated films by Iranian female directors. The selection showcased a range of visual styles, narratives, and perspectives, highlighting the creativity and innovation of women in contemporary Iranian animation. The program offered audiences a unique insight into the diverse voices shaping the field today.

In October 2023, and later again in 2025, I organised special screening events at Cavia Filmhuis in Amsterdam. These events focused on showcasing animations created by female directors—first highlighting works by Iranian women, and later expanding to animations by female directors from around the world.
Both screenings were fully booked and received enthusiastic and inspiring feedback from the audience, highlighting the strong interest in and impact of these voices in animation.

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