International Equestrian Film Series: Atlan

Free Program, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 1-3 p.m.
Detail image of red textile

Horse blanket (detail); Yomut, Turkmenistan; 1850-1900. The Textile Museum Collection 2021.17.66. Brick Freedman Collection.


Inspired by the exhibition Adorning the Horse: Equestrian Textiles for Power and Prestige, a special series this spring brings global equestrian cultures to life with an international selection of films. Join us for a screening of the film Atlan, an award-winning documentary directed by Iranian filmmaker Moein Karimoddini. 

The word “Atlan” in the Turkmen language means to “get on a horse and get going.” This emotional and skillfully shot film follows Ali, a young man raising and training racehorses in the northeastern Iranian province of Turkmen Sahra. Ali has spent three years training his favorite horse, Ilhan, who has won him several races. Suddenly, Ilhan refuses to race and obey commands. Ali embarks on a mission of retraining Ilhan to race again. 

Atlan has won multiple awards at festivals in Iran, Europe and the United States. Watch the trailer.

Iran, 2015, 62 minutes, in Farsi with English subtitles. 

About the Exhibition

For millennia, horses have captivated humans with their beauty, strength and majesty. From Türkiye to Japan, civilizations have elaborately costumed these prized animals. In Adorning the Horse: Equestrian Textiles for Power and Prestige, a magnificent selection of saddle blankets, horse covers and other equestrian textiles from the past 1,300 years communicates the significance and status of horses and their riders. Learn more about the exhibition 

How to Participate 

This program is free and will take place in person at the museum. Space is limited, so please register in advance to reserve your spot. 

Additional Information 

Photos and/or videos of attendees of this program may be taken and shared on social media, websites or marketing materials. Please contact MuseumEdatgwu [dot] edu (MuseumEd[at]gwu[dot]edu) if you have questions about photography or recordings at this program. 

Where
The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum 701 21st St. NW Washington DC 20052

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