Ramin Bahrani
Screenwriter

"I am asking for your help to write a script next year about Sheema, (a young girl who has developed leukemia), her mother and … real events. In this scripted docu-fictional story, Sheema gives up the will to struggle. She decides to die. Her mother’s response is to take her on a journey to France and Iran. During this voyage they encounter people and events that ultimately rejuvenate Sheema’s hope and will to fight as she rediscovers the beauty mixed with the hardships and pains of life…

I plan to use this grant to spend as much time as possible with Sheema and her mother… interviewing them, the doctors…, doing research on leukemia, and ultimately to cover the day-to- day living expenses as I write the script."

Ramin Bahrani received a B.A. in Film Studies from Columbia University. Mr. Bahrani has written, directed, produced and edited Super8 and 16mm short films and lives in Winston-Salem. He received an Emerging Artist Fellowship from the North Carolina Arts Council in 1997.

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Award Recipients for 1999-2000