Pairidaeza

^{Short film, length: 12:45, year: 2026}

In the 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.

_{Credits:
DIRECTION • VOICE-OVER • 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}

_{The project is made possible by the Municipality of Amsterdam, Nieuw-West District, and the Creative Industries Fund NL}