Helia Rafie

Helia Rafie (1994) is Iranian artist and filmmaker. She graduated from Academie Minerva in 2020.

“You may have heard of the ALS ice bucket challenge or Stephen Hawking, but you may not have heard that ALS is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. It affects nerves in your brain and spinal cord that control your muscles. As your muscles get weaker, it becomes more difficult for you to walk, talk, eat and breathe. It is still a mystery what causes ALS and there is still no cure or treatment.
This film aims to raise public awareness of this brutal, mysterious and underfunded disease. At the same time, it tells the inspiring story of people diagnosed with ALS. Through the power of stories, the documentary provides insight into the daily lives of several people with ALS. It will follow the patients and the community as they raise funds through activities. To help discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve and empower people affected by this disease to live their lives to the fullest. By connecting with scientists, neurologists and foundations, the film will not only cover the personal side, but also follow the expert opinion and recent developments in the medical field.”

About project 'Lucht'

The corona measures have hit the art sector enormously. Exhibitions and art grants have been canceled or postponed. It is an uncertain time for many artists. With the Lucht project, Kunstpunt Groningen wants to support artists and designers from the municipality of Groningen. 87 Groningen artists have received a stipend with which they have created new work, including Helia Rafie. With a billboard exhibition from September 27 to October 17, we present all artists spread throughout the city of Groningen. View the work of the other artists here.