About ZARIFA Arts Academy - Paris

 

The ZARIFA Arts Academy is a French non-profit cultural institution dedicated to promoting artistic creation, supporting filmmakers and emerging talents, and fostering international dialogue through cinema, music, education, and the arts. Established in Île-de-France and operating under the French law of 1901, the Academy organizes festivals, cultural events, workshops, residencies, and educational programs in France and abroad, in partnership with institutions that share a commitment to artistic and cultural development.

 

At the heart of the Academy lies a personal story that shaped its identity.

The Academy was founded in memory of Zarifeh Abkar, the mother of the founder, a woman whose life embodied kindness, dignity, and a profound inner peace. Her passing—caused by medical malpractice—brought immense sorrow, but that sorrow became the origin of a promise:

Transform great grief into great creation.

 

This principle, now part of the Academy’s founding ethos, inspires its mission to support creation, elevate artists, and bring light where it is needed most.

 

Mission and Activities

 

The Academy develops international artistic initiatives, including:

 

  • Zarifa International Feature Film Festival, hosted in Paris and, when appropriate, in partner countries as part of the Academy’s intercultural mission.

  • Short Film Events and Music & Cultural Concerts celebrating global artistic diversity.

  • Artistic Treasures, a ceremony honoring exceptional contributors to cinema, music, and the arts.

  • An independent Art School offering practical training in filmmaking, screenwriting, music, visual arts, digital arts, and cinematic makeup.

  • Workshops and Artistic Residencies for both emerging and established creators.

  • Scholarships and financial support for young talents and underprivileged artists.

  • The Zarifa Museum, dedicated to preserving symbolic objects, donated artworks, and the Academy’s cultural heritage.

 

These programs reflect the Academy’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, international cooperation, and the development of artistic education.

 

The “Motherly” Statue — A Symbol of the Academy

 

At the center of the Academy’s identity stands its official trophy, the Maternelle, inspired by the founder’s memory of his mother’s ascension.

Legally protected and unchangeable in form, the statue represents the Academy’s core values: memory, transformation, and artistic elevation. It is awarded exclusively during the Zarifa International Film Festival and major cultural ceremonies of the institution.

 

A Vision for the Future

 

As the Academy grows, it aims to:

 

  • discover and support unknown talents from around the world,

  • connect them with French and international cinema,

  • expand its educational programs and art school,

  • and offer a platform where creativity can flourish.

 

 

To achieve this mission, the Academy collaborates with cultural institutions, public authorities, private partners, and philanthropic supporters who share the belief that art can transform lives and illuminate communities.

 

On the nights when Paris glows with artistic energy, the stage of the ZARIFA Academy becomes a place where stories come alive and new voices rise.

The Little Prince of planet ZARIFA—a symbol of imagination and gentle resilience—welcomes every artist who seeks a place to shine.

 

With respect,

ZARIFA Arts Academy — Paris

A French independent, non-profit institution dedicated to creation, education, and the future of the arts.