Pardis Parker

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Pardis Parker
BornSri Lanka
NationalityCanadian
Notable works and rolesMideast Minute, Uncivil, Life in Pieces, Little Mosque on the Prairie, Combat Hospital, Single White Spenny
Websitewww.pardisparker.com

Pardis Parker is a Sri Lankan-born Canadian award-winning director, writer, actor, and comedian, the creator and star of Comedy Central's Mideast Minute,[1] and the co-creator of NBC's Uncivil.[2]

His filmmaking work has screened at over 150 film festivals worldwide and received over 80 awards and nominations, his writing has been published by the New Yorker, the New York Times, the New York Review of Books, the Los Angeles Review of Books, the Chicago Sun-Times, Lit Hub, and McSweeney's, he's appeared on TV and in films in the United States and Canada, and he's a regular performer at the Hollywood Improv, Hollywood Laugh Factory, and World Famous Comedy Store.

Mideast Minute[]

Created by and starring Parker, Mideast Minute is a satirical news show distributed worldwide on Comedy Central's digital platform.

The series satirizes U.S. propaganda efforts, particularly the Congress-funded Alhurra network, by trying to convince Middle Easterners that everything's OK in the Middle East.[1]

In writing about the show, the Jerusalem Post said Parker had a "sharp, smart tone,"[3] Uproxx said Parker's "timing is impeccable,"[4] and Tubefilter said Parker was "both timely and funny — a combination that works."[5]

Uncivil[]

Co-created by Parker, Uncivil is a TV comedy about a pair of friends – a city prosecutor and public defender – who find that their personal squabbles spill into the courtroom and their professional disputes follow them home.

Parker executive produces with Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, Bradley Gardner, and co-creator Rell Battle. Universal Television is the studio.[2]

Stand-up Comedy[]

A six-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee[6][7] and a finalist for Canada's Next Top Comic[8] and Bite TV's Stand Up and Bite Me,[9] Parker won British star David Baddiel's international stand-up competition[10] and previously became the first Canadian ever to book the CBS Comedy Showcase.[11]

In reviews of his live show, the Kingston Herald said that "the skill with which Pardis Parker weaved the audience through his set was impressive," that Parker was "really relaxed on stage," and that "it felt as though you were just hanging out with a really funny friend,"[12] while Ottawa Life Magazine said that "his self-deprecating manner and friendly stage presence make him highly likeable."[13] The Daily Star listed Parker as one of their "Stand-up Comedians That Need Your Attention," and said they "highly recommend"[14] his act. Vulture, in selecting his stand-up clips as one of their "Best Comedy Videos of the Month" in March 2021[15] and December 2021,[16] said that "it's amazing to see a funny comedian become a great comedian," and that Parker's "a performer who's found his comfort zone."

Parker has had multiple stand-up comedy performances broadcast on TV and radio, and he is a frequent performer at the Hollywood Improv, Hollywood Laugh Factory, and World Famous Comedy Store.

TED Talk[]

Parker performed at the global TED Conference in Monterey, California, in August 2021.[17] His TED Talk, "I'm Tired of People Telling Me to Grind", was released in January 2022.

In March 2022, it was announced that Parker would be performing again at TED2022 in Vancouver, Canada.[18]

Acting[]

Parker has received multiple Best Actor nominations for his work in The Dance and Afghan, and has appeared on television and in film on both sides of the border, including Life in Pieces on CBS, Combat Hospital on ABC, Little Mosque on the Prairie on CBC, Single White Spenny and Moderation Town on Showcase, Really Me on The Family Channel, and indie drama Snow.

His acting work has received acclaim from the National Screen Institute of Canada, which remarked that his "timing and body language in The Dance was exceptional,"[19] from Indiewire, which complimented his "light comedic touch,"[20] and from Radio Canada, which said that "he's a kind of Seth MacFarlane, someone extremely multi-talented who can write, direct, and act, and who's very convincing in his roles."[21]

Writing[]

Parker's writing and cartoons have been published by The New Yorker,[22] The New York Times,[23] The New York Review of Books,[24] The Los Angeles Review of Books,[25] the Chicago Sun-Times,[26] Literary Hub,[27] and McSweeney's.[28]

Bibliography[]

Title Type Originally published in Date Notes
"Offer and Counteroffer" cartoon The New Yorker June 23, 2020
"Illegal Milk" short story The New York Review of Books November 4, 2020 Subject of CBC News report.[29]
"The Bear Chased Us. Then We Chased the Bear." short story The New York Times May 14, 2021
"I Like My Cops Like I Like My Surgeons: Cautious, and Not Looking to Kill Me" essay McSweeney's May 15, 2020
"That Word Does Not Mean What You Think It Means" essay McSweeney's June 15, 2020
"An Open Letter to the T&T Supermarket Clerk Who Was Told to 'Go Back to China' as Part of a Customer’s Racist Tirade in Mississauga, Ontario" essay McSweeney's July 31, 2020
"An Open Letter to the National Rifle Association" essay Chicago Sun-Times July 30, 2020
"Expect less." essay Chicago Sun-Times December 7, 2020
"Thank God We've Come to Our Senses" essay Los Angeles Review of Books November 4, 2020
"My Brain is a Snake" cartoon Literary Hub February 16, 2021

Filmmaking[]

Parker's films and music videos, including The Dance, Afghan, and Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns, have screened at over 150 film festivals worldwide and received over 80 awards and nominations.

The Playlist called him an "up and coming talent on the Canadian film scene,"[30] Film School Rejects said his work was "riotously funny, with a narrative flair that makes one hope he has a feature coming soon,"[31] and CinemaSinema lauded his ability to "squeeze more heart from an 11 minute short film than many Hollywood directors can muster from feature length pictures."[32]

Filmography[]

Year(s) Title Director Writer Cast
2008 Afghan Yes Yes Pardis Parker, Mark Little
2009 What Goes Around Comes Around (music video) Yes Yes
2009 Don't Turn Around (music video) Yes Yes
2010 Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Yes Yes John Dunsworth, Levi Macdougall
2010 Implants Yes Yes Pardis Parker, Evany Rosen
2011 The Dance Yes Yes Pardis Parker, Evany Rosen
2012 The Train Yes Yes Pardis Parker, Colin Mochrie
2013 Jash Ugly Sweater Contest No Yes Sarah Silverman, Michael Cera, Reggie Watts, Tim & Eric

Accolades[]

Year Award Category Title Result
2008 CBC Short Film Face-Off Best Film Afghan Finalist
2009 Just for Laughs Best of Just for Laughs Afghan Won
2009 ViewFinders International Film Festival Best Short Film Afghan Won
2010 Films in Bloom Audience Award Afghan Silver
2010 Moondance International Film Festival Atlantis Award Afghan Won
2010 Twin Rivers Media Festival Award of Excellence Afghan Won
2010 Atlanta Philosophy Film Festival Audience Choice Award Afghan Won
2010 Desiderata Film Festival Audience Award Afghan 1st
2010 Screaming Ant Film Festival Best Narrative Film Afghan Won
2010 Screaming Ant Film Festival Featured Filmmaker Award Afghan Won
2010 Canadian Comedy Awards Best Writing, Film Afghan Nominated
2010 Canadian Comedy Awards Best Performance by a Male, Film Afghan Nominated
2011 Buttered Corn on the Cob Film Festival Juror Pick Afghan Won
2011 Big Dam Film Festival People's Choice Award Afghan Won
2011 Margaret River Shorts Film Festival Best Film Afghan Finalist
2011 Imago Film Festival 1–15 Minutes Afghan 1st
2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Actor Afghan Nominated
2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Screenplay Afghan Nominated
2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Supporting Actor Afghan Nominated
2011 Athens International Film Festival Best Short Narrative Afghan 3rd
2011 Creative Arts Film Festival Best Short Film Afghan Won
2011 Creative Arts Film Festival Best Editing Afghan Won
2011 Creative Arts Film Festival Best Sound Design Afghan Won
2011 Creative Arts Film Festival Best Original Score Afghan Won
2011 Creative Arts Film Festival Best Director Afghan Nominated
2011 Creative Arts Film Festival Best Cinematography Afghan Nominated
2012 Next Wave Art Salon Time Arts Award Afghan Won
2010 Twin Rivers Media Festival Best Short Drama Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns 2nd
2010 JamFest Indie Film Festival Best Experimental Comedy Short Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Silver
2010 NBC Universal Short Cuts Film Festival Best Film Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Semi-Finalist
2010 South Dakota Film Festival Jury Award Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2010 TriMedia Film Festival Best of the TriMedia Film Festival Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2010 Wet Your Pants Comedy Film Festival Best Short Film Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2010 Montgomery Film Festival Best Film Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2010 Montgomery Film Festival Best Comedy Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2010 Montgomery Film Festival Audience Award Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2010 Canadian Comedy Awards Best Direction, Film Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Nominated
2011 Derby City Film Festival Best Short Film Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Nominated
2011 Griffon International Film Festival Best Comedy Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2011 Buttered Corn on the Cob Film Festival Juror Pick Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2011 Lakeshorts International Film Festival Best Comedy Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2011 Tallahassee Film Festival Best Narrative Short Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Nominated
2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Director Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Nominated
2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Actor Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Nominated
2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Supporting Actor Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Nominated
2011 Santa Catalina Film Festival Best Short Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Finalist
2011 Detroit Windsor International Film Festival Best Short Comedy Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2011 Screaming Ant Film Festival Best Narrative Film Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2011 Screaming Ant Film Festival Featured Filmmaker Award Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2012 SENE Film Festival Best of SENE Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns Won
2010 Twin Rivers Media Festival Award of Excellence Don't Turn Around Won
2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Hip-Hop Music Video Don't Turn Around Nominated
2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival Most Creative Music Video Don't Turn Around Nominated
2010 Twin Rivers Media Festival Award of Excellence What Goes Around Comes Around Won
2011 Rincon International Film Festival Best Music Video What Goes Around Comes Around Won
2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Director What Goes Around Comes Around Won
2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Rock Music Video What Goes Around Comes Around Nominated
2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival Most Creative Music Video What Goes Around Comes Around Nominated
2011 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Cinematography What Goes Around Comes Around Nominated
2012 TriMedia Film Festival Best Music Video What Goes Around Comes Around Nominated
2011 Margaret River Shorts Film Festival Best Film Implants Finalist
2011 Beloit International Film Festival Best Short Film Implants Finalist
2011 Playboy Imaginative Filmmakers Spotlight Grand Prize Implants Finalist
2011 Creative Arts Film Festival Best Dramatic Short Film Implants Nominated
2011 Creative Arts Film Festival Best Screenplay Implants Nominated
2011 Creative Arts Film Festival Best Sound Design Implants Nominated
2011 Creative Arts Film Festival Best Director of Photography Implants Nominated
2011 JamFest Indie Film Festival Best Experimental Comedy Short The Dance Gold
2011 Carmel Art and Film Festival Best of Shorts The Dance Won
2011 PEI International Film Festival Best Maritime Short The Dance Won
2011 Film North - Huntsville International Film Festival Best Short Film The Dance Won
2011 SNO Boston Film Festival Best Foreign Filmmaker The Dance Won
2011 Dixie Film Festival Best Comedy The Dance Won
2011 Best International Short The Dance 2nd
2012 Big Dam Film Festival Best of Show The Dance 3rd
2012 Imago Film Festival Audience Choice Award The Dance Won
2012 Buttered Corn on the Cob Film Festival Best of the Fest The Dance Won
2012 Wet Your Pants Comedy Film Festival Best Short Film The Dance Won
2012 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Director The Dance Nominated
2012 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Actor The Dance Nominated
2012 World Music and Independent Film Festival Best Cinematography The Dance Nominated
2012 Canadian Comedy Awards Best Performance by a Male, Film The Dance Nominated
2012 Canadian Comedy Awards Best Writing, Film The Dance Nominated
2012 Humanity International Film Festival Best Local Film The Dance Won
2012 Humanity International Film Festival Best Canadian Film The Dance Won
2012 Humanity International Film Festival Best Comedy The Dance Won
2012 SENE Film Festival Best of SENE The Dance Won
2012 Boston Comedy Festival Audience Choice Award The Dance 2nd
2012 Forster Film Festival Creativity Award The Dance Won
2013 National Screen Institute of Canada Best Comedy The Dance Won
2012 South Texas Underground Film Festival The Right Stuff Award The Train Won
2012 Urban Mediamakers Film Festival Best Short Film Under 2 Minutes The Train Won

References[]

  1. ^ a b "News Satire Series 'Mideast Minute' Coming To Comedy Central Digital". Deadline Hollywood. November 3, 2016. Retrieved November 26, 2016.
  2. ^ a b "'Uncivil' Comedy From Rell Battle, Pardis Parker & Hazy Mills In Works At NBC". Deadline Hollywood. November 2, 2020. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  3. ^ "Spending a 'Mideast Minute' with Pardis Parker". The Jerusalem Post. February 18, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  4. ^ "Comedy Central's New 'Mideast Minute' Suggests Immigrating To The U.S. Is Overrated". Uproxx. January 27, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  5. ^ "Comedy Central's Latest Web Series Satirizes U.S.-Run News Networks In The Middle East". Tubefilter. January 31, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  6. ^ "The Comedy Network". TheComedyNetwork.ca. October 17, 2010. Archived from the original on September 30, 2011. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  7. ^ "Canadian Comedy Awards website". canadiancomedy.ca. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
  8. ^ "Metro – Haligonian could be Next Top Comic". Metronews.ca. Retrieved October 20, 2011.[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ Johns, Stephanie (June 13, 2011). "Pardis Parker makes finals of Stand Up & Bite Me - Art Attack". Thecoast.ca. Archived from the original on November 4, 2011. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  10. ^ Culture (April 5, 2010). "Which is the funniest religion?". Telegraph. London. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  11. ^ "Next in line – The Whig Standard – Ontario, CA". Thewhig.com. October 11, 2011. Archived from the original on February 6, 2010. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  12. ^ "Review: Pardis Parker at Absolute Comedy". The Kingston Herald. August 29, 2019. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  13. ^ "Pardis Parker — a modern-day court jester". Ottawa Life Magazine. December 13, 2021. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
  14. ^ "Stand-up Comedians That Need Your Attention". The Kingston Herald. September 6, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  15. ^ "Chet Hanks, Tampons for Men, and This Month's Other Must-See Comedy Shorts". Vulture. March 31, 2021. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  16. ^ "Joe Rogan Chats With the Grinch, and This Month's Other Must-See Comedy Shorts". Vulture. December 30, 2021. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
  17. ^ "Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John, Lizzo To Topline Global TED Conference In Monterey". Deadline Hollywood. June 21, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  18. ^ "TED Talks return to Vancouver, will feature Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Al Gore and Finnish PM Sanna Marin". Global News. March 4, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
  19. ^ "NSI announces online short film fest winners". Playback Magazine. March 4, 2013. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  20. ^ "Watch: Office Romance Blooms In Cute, Award-Winning Short Film 'The Dance'". Indiewire. January 7, 2014. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  21. ^ "Mideast Minute seen by Rachad Antonius and Jean-Philippe Cipriani". Radio-Canada. March 27, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  22. ^ "Pardis Parker". The New Yorker. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  23. ^ "The Bear Chased Us. Then We Chased the Bear". The New York Times. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  24. ^ "Pardis Parker". The New York Review of Books. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  25. ^ "Pardis Parker". The Los Angeles Review of Books. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  26. ^ "Pardis Parker". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  27. ^ "Pardis Parker and Andrew Hamm". Literary Hub. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  28. ^ "Pardis Parker". McSweeney's. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  29. ^ ""How buying illegal milk on P.E.I. helped author discover cultural revelation"". CBC News. November 24, 2020. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  30. ^ "Watch: Office Romance Blooms In Cute, Award-Winning Short Film 'The Dance'". IndieWire. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  31. ^ "'Two Men, Two Cows, Two Guns' is an Equation for a Darkly Farcical Film". Film School Rejects. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
  32. ^ "'Tallahassee Film Festival - Friday" (PDF). CinemaSinema. Retrieved January 19, 2021.

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