Dreams of Violets, a feature-length narrative film entirely generated by artificial intelligence, is set to premiere at the Tribeca Festival on June 10. The film, produced and directed by first-time filmmakers and tech entrepreneurs Ash and Pooya Koosha, dramatises the massacre of Iranian civilians that occurred in January 2023. International organisations estimate the death toll exceeded 7,000 amid protests and state violence during a communications blackout.
Every image and person in the film is created using AI video tools, based on journalistic reports, photographs, and eyewitness accounts. The project is the first from the Kooshas' new AI-driven production company, Fountain O, with former NBC executive Tom Rogers serving as executive chairman and executive producer.
Ash Koosha, CEO of Fountain O, said the story is deeply personal: 'Having experienced brutality in Iran, the events of the January protests hit a real nerve. We wanted our first film to highlight something the world needs to understand better.' He noted that there has been extremely little first-hand journalism on the events, as the internet was shut down.
The announcement comes amid ongoing repression by Iran's hardline government and talks to end the US-Iran conflict. Iranian director Jafar Panahi, who won the 2025 Palme d'Or for 'It Was Just An Accident', was recently summoned to a retrial for 'propaganda activity against the regime' after condemning the killing of student protesters.
Tribeca co-founder Jane Rosenthal said: 'At a time when AI and Iran are central to global conversation, this film offers a rare perspective into a conflict many have not fully seen. We were moved by the emotional immediacy and urgency of the story.'
Ash Koosha acknowledged that a fully AI film may be alarming to the entertainment industry but stressed its potential for independent filmmakers. The film was produced in about two months for just $2,000. Fountain O plans to release two more films and actively seek top writing and directing talent.
