PERSIAN PODCAST

FESTIVAL

VANCOUVER | SEP 19, SEP 20 & SEP 21

TORONTO | SEP 27, SEP 28, SEP 29

SPOTLIGHT ON PERSIAN PODCASTS

In a world where books are left untouched on shelves, social media is saturated with superficial content, and many Iranians abroad grapple with loneliness, lack of time, and the challenges of living far from home, Persian podcasts have emerged as a genuine, captivating, independent, and community-driven medium. In recent years, young Iranian creators both inside and outside of Iran have produced remarkable podcasts that have gained immense popularity among Persian-speaking audiences. These podcasts have filled critical gaps by providing companionship, thoughtful narratives, cultural enrichment, and meaningful connections. The success of live podcast performances in Iran, the strong rapport and healthy competition among Persian podcasters, and the emergence of prominent creators abroad have inspired us to celebrate this innovative and powerful medium.

THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL PERSIAN

PODCAST FESTIVAL

STAGE PERFORMERS

Our Persian Podcast Festival proudly features an inspiring lineup of voices. Soroush Sehhat hosts the event, joined by Ehsan Abdipour (Ehsanoo), Banafshe Taherian (Chai ba Banafsh), Amir Soodbakhsh (Rokh), Heli Hendesi (Helitalk), and Amir Khadem (The Story of the Constitutional Revolution). Together, they bring stories, conversations, and performances that celebrate creativity and the vibrant world of Persian podcasting.

Soroush Sehhat

Host

Ehsan Abdipour

Podcast: Ehsanoo

Banafsheh Taherian

Podcast: Chai ba Banafsheh

Amir Soodbakhsh

Podcast: Rokh

Heli Hendesi

Podcast: Hellitalk

Amir Khadem

The Story of the Constitutional Revolution

VISION & PURPOSE

• Providing a platform for live performances and direct interaction between podcasters and their audiences.
• Recognizing, celebrating, and supporting outstanding Persian podcasts. • Encouraging the community to engage with high-quality, thought-provoking content. • Creating a vibrant cultural, literary, independent, and inclusive environment outside of Iran.
• Elevating the global presence and significance of Persian podcasts.

Festival Objectives

Inspiration

This Festival is inspired by a similar event organized by "Jabe Siah" podcast in Tehran, where leading domestic podcasters were recognized for their contributions to the Persian community. Building upon this tradition, our festival highlights distinguished creators from both Iran and the Iranian diaspora through live performances, engaging panel discussions, and inspiring musical segments in Vancouver and Toronto.

VENUES

The events in Vancouver will take place across a variety of venues to create a diverse and engaging experience. Larger gatherings and main programs will be hosted at four primary cultural spaces: Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver, Kay Meek Arts Centre in West Vancouver, VIVA Alliance in Vancouver, and Zameen Art House on Granville Island. In addition to these main venues, smaller and more intimate sessions will also be held at three community-oriented spaces. Family Art House, Pan Beh Bookstore, and Nazanin Academy specially selected to support local cultural initiatives and events with fewer than 50 attendees. This multi-venue approach ensures that both large-scale performances and smaller interactive events are accessible to a wide audience.

CENTENNIAL THEATRE

Capacity: 550

KAY MEEK ARTS CENTRE

Capacity: 488

VIVA ALLIANCE

Capacity: 150

ZAMEEN ART HOUSE

Capacity: 65

SPECIAL EVENTS

Saturday, September 20 | 8:00–9:30 PM

Stories and Songs: Whispers of the South
Tales woven by Ehsan Abdipour, brought to life by the voice of Mina Deris

Venue: Kay Meek Arts Centre, West Vancouver

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Sunday, September 21 | 7:00–9:0 PM

Closing Ceremony of the Persian Podcast Festival hosted by Soroush Sehhat

Aspecial discussion panel with top Persian language podcasters
featuring Ehsan Abdi Pour (“Ehsanoo”), Banafsha Taherian (“Tea with Banafsha”), Heli Hendessi (“Heli Talk”), Amir Khadem (“The Story of the Constitutional Revolution”) — in person, along with other prominent podcasters joining online from Iran: Amir Soodbakhsh (“Rokh”), Bardiya Barjesteh Nejad (“Album”), Hamed Vahdatinesh (“Goodbye Africa”), and more.

Venue: Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver

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Ticket Sales Start Aug. 6, 2025