The Voice Of Dust and Ash is a documentary film made about the late Maestro Mohammad-Reza Shajarian who was a master in classical music. It is rumored that the film will be released and have its festival premiere very soon.

The music for the documentary film has been composed by J. Ralph, a three time Academy Award Nominee, who composed music in Academy award nominated documentaries such as Virunga, Jim: The James Foley Story, and Racing Extinction. Based on Ralph’s past compositions, it is also highly likely a big named western artist is also involved in the project.

The Iranian Government is also eager for the films release, as it holds the Maestros true feelings towards the government and the censorship that the artists face. Based on a leaked film clip that went viral in Iran both in 2016 and 2020, it is quite evident that the Maestro has poured his heart and soul into the interview and it is even more poignant that these interviews constitute his living testament.

Morq-e-Sahar is his most well known song and among academics it has been called “the Unofficial National Anthem for Freedom.” Maestro played this song in the encore of all of his shows. The song itself was about a caged bird, who was being called to break free of its cage and sing a new song for the freedom of humanity.

It goes without saying that Maestro Mohammed-Reza Shajarian was an extra-ordinary figure who was loved and revered by 82 million Iranians. He bravely took a stand against the government, but despite that, the government itself loved his work. The singer, who was once named one of “NPR’s 50 greatest voices” was an undeniable talent, who had an ability to sing beyond the high C range. Even the ayatollahs could not dispute this, and the supreme leader himself was a fan. The film is sure to stir the hearts of the 82 million Iranians who loved him and sang Morq-e-Sahar in the streets when he died.

After the newest Presidential elections offered a new crackdown on art and music, perhaps the film’s release will again spark the people taking to the streets and singing Morq-e-Sahar in artistic protest.

The Voice of Dust and Ash