A dance film by Siba Sahabi

In the 13-minute dance film Pairidaeza, historical and contemporary visions of paradise are explored as a place of ultimate harmony, beauty and perfection. Originating from the Old Persian word for “walled garden,” paradise evokes images of abundance and tranquillity, while also suggesting a space defined by boundaries and restricted access.

Through dance, narration, music and scenography, the film investigates the tension between the exclusivity of paradise and the ideal of radical hospitality. Who is welcomed into paradise, and who remains outside? Can an earthly paradise exist without borders or conflict?

Pairidaeza invites audiences to reflect on the possibilities of utopia, community and radical hospitality.

Director/voice-over text/set design: Siba Sahabi
Choreography/dance: Miri Lee, Christian Guerematchi, Edward Lloyd
Cinematography: Emilia Tapprest
Costume design: Anne de Grijff
Make-up, hair: Sammy Does
Editing: Amber Hooijmans
Colour grading: Kevin Kimman
Voice: Katie Harvey
Music: Rutger Zuydervelt
Production: Stichting Siba Sahabi
Special thanks to: Kylian Weijers, Robin Cairo, Bernat Amengual
Supported by: Municipality of Amsterdam, Nieuw-West District, and the Creative Industries Fund NL