Alireza Khatami, a talented Iranian director, writer, and producer, was born in 1980 into the indigenous Khamse tribe in southeast Iran. Growing up, he was deeply immersed in the rich oral storytelling traditions of his heritage, which would later significantly influence his unique storytelling style.
Blending fantasy and realistic narratives, Alireza's works poignantly explore precarious lives, identity politics, and feature a dark sense of humor. His storytelling is deeply rooted in his cultural background, and he has developed a distinctive voice that sets him apart from other filmmakers.
Alireza began his career as an assistant director, working alongside esteemed filmmakers, including the renowned Asghar Farhadi. Through his collaborations, he gained valuable experience and honed his craft, eventually transitioning to directing his own feature films.
His debut feature, Oblivion Verses, premiered at the 74th Venice Film Festival, where it won three awards, including the Orizzonti Award for Best Screenplay and FIPRESCI. His second feature, Terrestrial Verses, was showcased in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival.
Currently, Alireza is working on his latest project, Things That You Kill in Turkey, an auto-fictional psychological thriller that critiques patriarchy. This ambitious project marks a new direction for the filmmaker, as he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and explore complex themes in his work.
Throughout his career, Alireza has gained recognition for his thought-provoking and visually stunning films, which have been showcased at prestigious festivals around the world. His dedication to his craft and his unique perspective on storytelling have established him as a prominent figure in the film industry.
