Shahnameh Video Presentation and Book Signing

Hamid Rahmanian

Featuring a Persian Culinary Experience by Chef Mojdeh Eghbal

Wednesday, March 18 | 7:00–9:00 PM


Aabee Bleue Project is pleased to host an evening dedicated to one of the most important works of Persian literature, the Shahnameh. On March 18, artist and filmmaker Hamid Rahmanian will present a video talk about his long-term Shahnameh Project, followed by a book signing.

Rahmanian’s work centers on Shahnameh: The Epic of the Persian Kings, the thousand-year-old masterpiece written by the great Persian poet Abolqasem Ferdowsi. This edition, translated into prose by Ahmad Sadri and illustrated and produced by Rahmanian, brings the monumental epic to contemporary audiences. The book includes more than 500 pages of richly detailed illustrations inspired by centuries of Persian visual traditions.

Over the past fifteen years, Rahmanian has created a wide body of work inspired by the Shahnameh, including illustrated books, pop-up books, shadow theater productions, and cinematic performances. His multidisciplinary approach combines historical research with contemporary storytelling and visual experimentation. Drawing from thousands of Persian miniatures and historical artworks from the 14th to the 19th centuries, Rahmanian has developed a distinctive visual language that introduces this foundational epic to new audiences.

During the evening, Rahmanian will share insights into the creative process behind the project and discuss the cultural significance of the Shahnameh, a literary work that has played a central role in preserving the Persian language and cultural identity for centuries.

The evening will also feature a special culinary experience by Chef Mojdeh Eghbal, who brings a world of Persian taste, culture, and elegance to the gathering. Chef Mojdeh began her culinary journey after moving to the United States in 2004, where she trained and worked in restaurants while developing a deep understanding of cooking techniques and wine pairing.

Drawing on authentic recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother, Chef Mojdeh creates dishes that honor traditional Iranian cuisine while expressing her own refined signature. Her work has been featured in events ranging from intimate dinners to large gatherings and elaborate multi-course experiences.