Billion Dollar Masterpiece: Reuniting the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasb

This documentary immerses viewers in the fascinating and tragic saga of Iran’s greatest cultural treasure: the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasb. Renowned for its exquisite, now-scattered illustrations, each valued at over £4 million, this Safavid Persian masterpiece has suffered from decades of vandalism, dispersal, and commercial exploitation. Yet, through the diligent research of Dr. Zahra Faridany-Akhavan, an ambitious new initiative is underway to digitally reunite and preserve the manuscript’s legacy. The film aims to generate global awareness for this extraordinary restoration project, illuminate the manuscript’s complex and often controversial provenance, and inspire support from audiences and investors alike. Backed by major institutions including the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, the project represents a rare opportunity to reclaim a vital piece of Iranian heritage. All funds will directly support this historic initiative. More than a documentary, this film is a call to restore cultural pride, to reassemble a fragmented masterpiece, and to tell a unifying story that brings hope and dignity to Iranians worldwide.