The Wakan Foundation for the Arts was founded in February 2000, to “uplift humanity through the arts” and to serve the Greatest Good through its best efforts.

It is a continuation of the work begun by Wakan Films, which was a film company founded by writer and film producer-director Khashyar Darvich in 1994 to create films that had positive messages and that served the Greatest Good. The Wakan Foundation for the Arts (and Wakan Films) have won several international awards for their films and television programs, and their work has been broadcast nationally, including network television, PBS stations, and on national cable.

The Wakan Foundation for the Arts’ current focus is to produce documentary films and support other artists that make positive contributions to the world and humanity through the arts.

After our first meeting and interview with the Dalai Lama, and when he became familiar with our projects and aims, the Dalai Lama smiled and commented to Producer and interviewers Khashyar Darvich,  “Yes, I like your questions-- very good... Certainly, your effort can make some contribution-- There’s no doubt.”

We are currently beginning several programs, including producing several inspiring and exciting documentary film projects, a fiscal sponsorship program for artists whose work would represent under-represented and broadcast themes and subjects within our society, as well as whose work embodies positive messages.