The LIttle Black Fish (2022)

Samad Behrangi’s The Little Black Fish is a profound allegory that follows a defiant young fish who dares to question the boundaries of his tiny stream. Driven by an insatiable curiosity to discover where the water ends, he ignores the warnings of his conservative community who view his wanderlust as a dangerous heresy and sets off on a perilous journey toward the vast ocean. Along the way, he encounters both friends and predators, learning about freedom, social justice, and the heavy cost of seeking enlightenment. Ultimately, the story serves as a powerful metaphor for political resistance and the courage required to break away from a restricted life, suggesting that even a small individual can leave a lasting legacy by choosing to live with purpose rather than fear.

At Flying Carpet Festival 2022, a new re-imagination of this masterwork was brought to stage by the Flying Carpet team and artists.