Comments from other Authors:

May 10, 2008

In response to Brian's speech at MIT, Noam Chomsky said:

A very moving and humane statement. Thanks for making it. I hope people will listen and learn.
Noam Chomsky

May 10, 2008
Fereydoun Safizadeh
Anthropology
Boston University
Dear Brian,

Thank you for all the trouble that you and Jahangir took to come all the way from California and bring this important film. I had been hearing for months about it. I also have appreciated your writings on Iran and Iranian people and culture. I would not be discouraged by the low attendance. Films, like books, like children have been brought to this world and have their own way of making their mark. This film leaves its mark beyond the tragic story of thousands of people who died including Tobb. A part of the mark is making people question why we think and react to Iran the way we do. Once this question is raised many people are likely to stop and think how they are led to think that way. And that is the beginning of not thinking that way, and that is where the humanizing objective that Jahangir and the film are striving for begins to take place.

It was a pleasure for me to meet you and Jahangir, to meet another anthropologist, and by the way when you mentioned Lowell House, I should mention that I was a resident of Adams House many years later than your father. I certainly will be promoting the film.

All the best,
Fereydoun Safizadeh

Meghan Nuttall Sayres, author of Anahita’s Woven Riddle, a novel set in 19^th century Iran, and Weaving Tapestry in Rural Ireland, wrote:

Brian Appleton’s work is reflective of his open-hearted approach to Iranian culture and people in general. The many years he lived in Iran crystallized his ability to discern social issues and appreciate the essential beauty and talent of Persian art and artists.

Website

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Comments from Readers:

Sept 17, 2002

William Dunn of William Dunn Design wrote: (volunteer fireman at 9/11)

Hi Brian,

I just read your “Tales from the Zirzameen” on line. You’re a terrific writer!

I wish everybody could read about your story. It would do a lot for international relations! Your imagery and descriptions of your feelings brought me right into it. I could imagine what it might have been like through your words. It was magical!

I’m not exactly sure what you do for a living…but if you ever wanted, I think you could do a pretty good job of writing for a living!

Can’t thank you enough for sharing your story with me!

Sincerely, Bill Dunn

April 21, 2005

Nilufar Abi , student of political science and aspiring film maker, wrote:

OH MY GOD, WOWWW! Your article in www, Iranian.com entitled “Make Me Persian” was by far one of the most unique and surprising and heart-touching articles I’ve ever read! What you stated and your point was so one of a kind and the thought of it never actually crossed my mind. My take on your article was that it made me realize more about the beautiful uniqueness and originality of our culture and how stealing its natural resources from its soil you might as well just sweep it off its feet and take its entire integrity. It’s a matter of all or nothing, it’s a matter of either rape me or don’t rape me, not just part of me, the whole package.

It’s also great to point out to the US Iranians what the life and dignity is our heritage and cultural inheritance and the soil of motherland which is in our blood and the world needs to learn what we really are all about not just the oil that the ignoramuses know us for.

Love, Nilufar

Oct 24, 2003

Babak Maziar in response to my poem Imagine wrote:

This poem was so wonderful. It touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

What is so unbelievably hard to believe is how easy it is to accomplish it all; if we were all a little less greedy, a little more forgiving, and a huge company would accept 450% profit instead of 500%, and the ones in power were happy to accumulate wealth for the next 1000 years instead of 10,000!

I guess that is hard to imagine!

Babak Maziar

Comment by Brian H. Appleton:

(Babak, Azeri hero for all Iranians)

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Comments from Film makers, Film critics, Actors and Entertainers:

Comment from: Jahangir Golestan Parast

I have been fortunate to know Brian Appleton, what a man full of love, respect, compassion for all races. He has been to 5 of my Bam 6.6 screening and truly he has enlightened the audience. I wish more people could get to know him. He has such extensive knowledge about Iranian history and culture. We have good people in every corner of the world.You are truly an asset to human kind. I love you for ever.

Gorban to Jahangir Golestan
In response to: Mr. Appleton
Website

Comment from:

Brian H. Appleton

Pahlewan,

I love you too,

Brian/Rasol