The Voice of a Generation Lost at the VIFF Centre

The Voice of a Generation Lost is the latest work by Iranian-Canadian composer and setar player Ali Razmi, inspired by the iconic photography of his father, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Jahangir Razmi.

This project transforms decades of photographs documenting revolution, war, and resilience in Iran into an evocative live performance. Through a blend of Persian classical music, jazz, and experimental sounds, Ali Razmi and his collaborators offer a deeply emotional reflection on memory, identity, and the power of art to bear witness.

“This project is deeply personal to me. As the son of Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Jahangir Razmi, I grew up surrounded by images that carried the weight of history. My father’s photographs, taken during Iran’s revolution and the Iran–Iraq war, bear witness to pain, loss, and resilience. I felt that now is a good time to remember the past and learn the lessons history has left us. We are once again facing war and turmoil in the world, and I believe it is our responsibility as artists to reflect on where we have been and what we must not repeat. This music is my way of honouring a generation that endured so much, and of carrying their voice forward.”  — Ali Razmi

To complete this celebration of international photojournalism VIFF will also be screening:

The Salt of the Earth (2014): Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado’s film that follows the career of Brazilian social documentary photographer Sebastiao Salgado. 

Sunday, 22nd March, 2026 at 7:00pm, VIFF Centre, Vancouver

Tickets: https://viff.org/whats-on/voice-of-a-generation-lost-live/

IAI thanks our producing partners, VIFF, Coastal Jazz and Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra.