Dear John,

Did you know that the federal government devotes most of its discretionary budget to military spending? This tax season, the people deserve a refund! While President Biden is proposing tens of billions of dollars more in military spending for next year, we’re fighting to #CutThePentagon for the People, Planet, Peace, and a Future! Help us demand the government invest in the people and the planet instead of the war machine.  

Check out all the DC area events coming up:

➡️ What: An evening of Iranian Arts and Culture in Washington D.C.
When: Sunday, April 16, 6:00-8:00 PM 
Where: Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th st. NW, Washington, D.C. RSVP

➡️ What: An evening of Iranian Arts and Culture in Virginia
When: Monday, April 18, 4:00-6:00 PM 
Where: Pars Place, 2236 C Gallows Rd, Vienna, VA, 22182 RSVP

➡️ What: Tax Day: Give Peace a Budget! - A night of poetry, comedy, art & political education
When: Monday, April 18, 6:30-9:30 PM 
Where: Busboys and Poets Brookland 625 Monroe St NE, Washington, DC RSVP

➡️ Thursday, April 21: Lockheed event RSVP
➡️ Friday, April 22: War is Not Green event RSVP

We are thrilled this spring to bring leaders of Iranian cinema to the U.S.: superstar Iranian actor Parviz Parastui and Iranian documentary filmmaker Zainab Ahmadzadeh. They will discuss their films, Iranian culture, and life in Iran, including first-hand experiences of life in Iran under crippling sanctions.

Parviz Parastouie holds the record for receiving the most awards in Iranian cinema, having appeared in more than 50 films and television series. He won Best Actor for his role in the films The Willow Tree, In the Name of the Father,  Leily is With Me, and  The Bodyguard. Some of his films with English subtitles are available to watch such as  One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Cafe Transit, The House of Paper, and We Have a Guest. Parastouie has also been featured in some of Iran’s most popular television series, including Zire Tigh, Ashpaz Bashi, and Khak-e Sorkh.

Parastouei will be accompanied by Zainab Ahmadzadeh, a young female documentary filmmaker and author who was part of the team in making One Thousand and One Day, the film that will be shown in our public gatherings at the time of their visits. The film depicts the story of three individuals from the countries of Iran, Japan, and Austria who do not have anything in common but their love for peace and justice for all. They cross paths and find opportunities to get to know and learn from each other.

We hope to see you at Busboys and Poets this Sunday and at the other upcoming events! 

Towards peace,
Leila, Leonardo, Medea, Michelle, Olivia, Tim, and the entire CODEPINK team