Corner 51: Shiva Moghanloo

The Creative Odyssey of Shiva Moghanloo: Crafting Stories and Bridging Cultures

In a recent episode of “Cozy Corner with Hossein Nasiri,” the spotlight turned to Shiva Moghanloo, a celebrated writer, translator, critic, and lecturer. A luminous figure in the realms of Iranian literature and cinema, Shiva’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of creativity. Through an engaging dialogue, Shiva shared her artistic philosophy, professional growth, and reflections on the cultural landscapes she navigates.

A Childhood Rooted in Literature and Solitude

Born in the culturally rich city of Mashhad during the 1970s, Shiva grew up as an only child in a household that revered books. Her father, a history teacher, and her mother, a midwifery instructor, cultivated an environment where storytelling thrived. Shiva’s formative years were deeply influenced by her family’s literary pursuits and her grandmother’s encouragement to explore classical Persian poetry.

Books like Tintin and the “Golden Books” series introduced her to global narratives, while her family’s extensive home library provided a sanctuary for her burgeoning imagination. This early exposure to literature was a cornerstone of her creative identity, shaping the way she approached storytelling and translation later in life.

Shiva recalls how her solitary childhood, compounded by being the youngest in her class after skipping a grade, shaped her imaginative world. Her parents and extended family nurtured her love for books, often reading stories aloud and fostering discussions about their meanings. This deeply rooted passion for storytelling became a foundation for her future endeavors.

Education, Rebellion, and the Allure of Cinema

Shiva’s passion for creativity found its academic expression at the University of Art in Tehran, where she pursued a degree in cinema. Her decision to study the arts was a quiet rebellion against societal expectations that often limited career paths to medicine or engineering. Moving to Tehran was transformative; the city’s cultural vibrancy offered Shiva the intellectual stimulation and community she longed for.

During her university years, Shiva immersed herself in the worlds of literature and cinema, discovering a deep love for both disciplines. Her self-taught journey into translation began here, driven by her desire to share foreign texts with Persian audiences. Despite the challenges of accessing resources, she cultivated her skills through voracious reading, audiobooks, and film screenings, forging a unique and intuitive approach to translation.

The university provided her with more than academic knowledge; it connected her with like-minded individuals who shared her creative aspirations. These interactions, along with the communal screenings of international films and discussions about artistic theory, were pivotal in shaping her worldview.

The Dual Identity: Writer and Translator

As both a writer and translator, Shiva views these roles as complementary yet distinct. Her original works, such as The Book of Horror and They Were No Less Than Fish, showcase her ability to weave intricate narratives rooted in Persian culture. Meanwhile, her translations—notably City Life by Donald Barthelme and Film Genre by Barry Keith Grant—serve as bridges between global and Iranian audiences, introducing groundbreaking concepts like postmodern literature and cinematic theory.

Shiva’s translation philosophy reflects her commitment to authenticity and cultural resonance. She emphasizes the importance of understanding both the source and target cultures, ensuring that her translations retain their original essence while resonating with Persian readers. Her role as editor of the “World’s Best Screenplays Translation Project” further highlights her dedication to mentoring the next generation of translators.

In her writing, Shiva often experiments with form and perspective, drawing from her experiences in translation to enrich her narratives. This interplay between disciplines allows her to approach storytelling with a unique lens, blending global influences with local sensibilities.

Tehran: A City of Contrasts and Creativity

Shiva describes Tehran as a city of endless opportunities and challenges—a place that embraces individuals for who they are but demands resilience and adaptability. For her, Tehran is not just a geographical space but a metaphor for her creative process. The city’s duality mirrors her own journey, balancing intuition with discipline and spontaneity with structure.

While Shiva cherishes the cultural openness Tehran offers women, she is acutely aware of the barriers that still exist in smaller cities. She passionately advocates for empowering young women in literature and cinema, emphasizing the need for safe spaces where they can express their creativity and ambitions.

Tehran’s rich artistic history, its bustling cultural centers, and its ever-changing urban landscape have all left an indelible mark on Shiva’s work. She often draws inspiration from the city’s contrasts, using its vibrant energy to fuel her creativity.

The Craft of Storytelling: Discipline and Intuition

Shiva’s creative process is an intricate dance between intuition and discipline. She likens writing to “a miracle at the keyboard,” where ideas that percolate in her mind for weeks suddenly coalesce when she begins to type. Her mantra, “Write drunk, edit sober,” encapsulates her approach: intuitive inspiration tempered by rigorous refinement.

Short stories, in particular, hold a special place in Shiva’s heart. She views them as a more artistic and challenging form than novels, allowing for creative experimentation. Her early short stories pushed the boundaries of Persian formalism, employing innovative techniques that blurred the lines between genders, humans, and animals, compelling readers to question their assumptions.

Shiva’s disciplined approach to storytelling extends to her daily routines. She dedicates specific hours to writing and translation, often starting her day with focused work sessions. This structure, combined with moments of intuitive exploration, creates a harmonious balance that sustains her creativity.

Navigating Challenges as a Woman in the Arts

Shiva’s journey as a female artist in Iran has not been without its struggles. She candidly discusses the additional hurdles women face, from pay disparities to societal expectations. Despite these challenges, she has carved out a space for herself, relying on discipline and a strong sense of self-worth to overcome obstacles.

Her commitment to discipline extends beyond her professional life. Shiva’s daily routine—which includes early mornings, structured work hours, and regular exercise—is a testament to her belief in the power of consistency. This disciplined lifestyle has been instrumental in maintaining her productivity and creativity over the years.

Additionally, Shiva’s experiences traveling across Iran for workshops and literary events have deepened her understanding of regional disparities in cultural opportunities. She remains committed to using her platform to amplify marginalized voices, particularly those of young women.

The Intersection of Creativity and Translation

For Shiva, translation is not merely a linguistic exercise but a creative act that bridges cultural divides. She acknowledges the transformative power of translation in shaping societies, particularly in Iran, where translated works have historically introduced new ideas and philosophies. However, she also critiques the “operator” mindset in translation, advocating for a more thoughtful and impactful approach.

One of Shiva’s proudest achievements is her role in popularizing postmodern literature and cinematic theory in Iran. Her translations have not only enriched Persian literature but also provided valuable tools for academic and artistic discourse. By introducing readers to new concepts and perspectives, she has expanded the intellectual horizons of her audience.

Shiva views translation as a collaborative process between the translator, the original author, and the reader. This perspective underscores her dedication to preserving the integrity of the source material while making it accessible to Persian audiences.

Reflecting on the Evolution of Literature and Media

Shiva’s reflections on the changing landscape of literature and media highlight the complexities of navigating a rapidly evolving world. She laments the loss of communal experiences, such as university film screenings, which fostered dialogue and intellectual growth. At the same time, she embraces the opportunities presented by digital platforms, acknowledging their role in democratizing access to information.

However, she cautions against the pitfalls of superficial engagement, urging the younger generation to delve deeper into the arts and humanities. Shiva believes that true creativity requires a balance between embracing modern tools and preserving the depth and rigor of traditional practices.

Through her teaching and mentorship, Shiva seeks to inspire a new generation of writers and translators who can adapt to this evolving landscape without losing sight of their artistic integrity.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Creativity and Empowerment

Shiva Moghanloo’s career is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and translation. Her work exemplifies how literature and cinema can transcend cultural barriers, fostering understanding and empathy. By mentoring emerging writers and translators, she is ensuring that the next generation inherits her passion for creativity and her commitment to excellence.

In a world increasingly driven by numbers and superficial metrics, Shiva’s journey reminds us of the value of quality, authenticity, and meaningful connections. Whether through her writings, translations, or teaching, she continues to inspire others to embrace their creativity and explore the transformative potential of the arts.

As Shiva puts it, “I don’t take life too seriously, but I don’t joke around with it either.” This philosophy encapsulates her approach to both her art and her life, striking a harmonious balance that serves as a beacon for aspiring creatives everywhere.

Shiva’s story is not just about personal achievement; it’s about the broader impact of art and literature in bridging cultural divides, challenging norms, and inspiring change. Her journey offers a powerful reminder of the resilience and passion required to navigate the creative world, leaving an indelible legacy for generations to come.

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