I saw one of the free hugs clips on youtube and absolutely fell in love with the concept. I started to do research on it and found out that it ha been done in about 50 other countries. But none of the clips had any Iranians in it. At the beginning I was told that the project probably would fail because the Iranians wouldn’t be so found to the idea of hugging strangers (especially if the stranger looked like me :p ) .
I went to Westwood to prove everybody the opposite. After 1 ½ hours and 3 hugs later it was proven to me that I was wrong. Devastated by the result I swore to never offer any hugs to Iranians ever again, until 13bedar in O.C when Babak Akhavian convinced me to try it one more time. This time, it was a success!! 152 hugs in 30 minutes!
The people of O.C were amazing and very hug-friendly! With Raha’s amazing touch of sound mixing and editing, “free hugs in O.C” is the project that I’m most proud of. I encourage all Iranians all over the world to go out and spread the love to people with their hugs. 
3 responses so far ↓
1 M. Farsi // Jun 8, 2007 at 2:29 pm
TIAM! Next time, I’m going to come out with you and we’ll see who gets more hugs.
This was a wonderful video. I think you’ll have to do this test in the valley. But you might have to post up next to The Spot or something–it would help if you held the sign while next to a Benz. Doesn’t have to be yours…
Actually, nevermind. People might hug the car instead.
Seriously though, super cute video. Love the original and the persian version is awesome too.
2 Tiam // Jun 11, 2007 at 7:15 pm
I’m almost 100% sure that you will get more hugs than I will.
I’m really glad you liked this clip, if there is anything else that you want to see me do (stuff that your friends are afraid to do), I’ll be at your service.
3 mimi // Jan 3, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Hi Tiam
You are lovelyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
This clip made me so joyful (funny,human and and and) specially because u did it.
You have such a true respect and love for others ( looking to your eyes talk about it so well)
Keep going and stay egual to yourself
Thanks again
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