London’s vibrant cultural hub Rich Mix is hosting the Vaak Festival 2025, organized by Vaak Events, which celebrates contemporary Persian-language arts. Taking over the building with cinema, music, workshops, and art events from October 31 to November 2, this festival carries the mission of making independent voices from Iran, Afghanistan, and the diaspora visible.
Unfortunately, the festival began with a significant setback. Due to unforeseen delays in issuing artist visas, many planned performances had to be canceled. However, the Vaak team is making intense efforts to overcome these challenges and reschedule the canceled events.
Despite this disruption, the festival program remains strong and thought-provoking with powerful productions. The 18+ cinema screenings offer an insider’s view into the complex realities of Iran and Afghanistan:
In The Land Of Brothers + Q&A (Friday, October 31): A film screening followed by a Q&A session.
Woman And Child + Q&A (Saturday, November 1): Another cinema screening followed by a Q&A session.
ABSENCE + Q&A (Sunday, November 2): The festival’s closing film screening.
On the music stage, Mahtab Qala feat. Elaha Soroor will take the stage on Sunday, November 2, to meet the audience.
Among the canceled events are the Bamdad Afshar & Otagh Band concert, the DoBaRe performance, and workshops on independent filmmaking with Ali Mosaffa. Ticket holders can contact Rich Mix Box Office to request refunds, wait for rescheduling of the shows, or transfer their tickets to another Vaak event to support the artists.
This festival is a resilient gathering that proves how indispensable art and storytelling are, despite geographical and political barriers.
Festival Information Summary
Event Name: Vaak Festival 2025
Venue: Rich Mix, London
Dates: October 31 – November 2
Admission: Cinema and music performances are ticketed.
