Artist Shirin Neshat Explores the American Dream in ‘Land of Dreams’ Screening at Parrish Art Museum

Internationally acclaimed artist and filmmaker Shirin Neshat will appear at the Parrish Art Museum on Sunday, August 10, for a screening of her 2021 feature film, “Land of Dreams,” followed by a conversation with Corinne Erni, the museum’s chief curator of art and education and deputy director of curatorial affairs. The event runs from 3:30 to 6 p.m. in the museum’s Lichtenstein Theater.

“Land of Dreams,” directed by Neshat and Shoja Azari, is a surreal, satirical and deeply personal exploration of identity, freedom and the contradictions of American life. Set in a near-future dystopia, it follows Simin, an Iranian immigrant working for the U.S. Census Bureau, which enlists her to collect citizens’ dreams as part of a covert program. Simin reenacts the dreams on social media in Farsi while navigating dual lives — and encounters two eccentric men, Mark (William Moseley) and Alan (Matt Dillon) — in a poetic critique of surveillance, nationalism and belonging. The cast also includes Sheila Vand and Isabella Rossellini.

The screening is presented in conjunction with “Shirin Neshat: Born of Fire,” on view at the museum through September 1. The exhibition features four major bodies of work tracing Neshat’s evolution from her “Women of Allah” photo series to recent video works such as “The Fury,” along with selections from her personal collection, including pieces by Marina Abramović, Robert Longo and emerging artists from the Middle East.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shirin Neshat back to the Parrish and invite the community to experience her film ‘Land of Dreams,’” said museum executive director Mónica Ramírez‑Montagut. “This screening offers a timely opportunity to engage with the depth of Neshat’s artistic practice — one that continues to challenge, illuminate and connect across cultures. I encourage everyone to view the film and the incredible body of work on display before ‘Born of Fire’ closes later this summer.”

Tickets are free for museum members and resident benefits passholders, $30 for the general public, and $24 for seniors. Advance registration is recommended due to limited seating. The Parrish Art Museum is located at 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill. For more information or to register, visit parrishart.org.