Marzieh Vafamehr is a trailblazing Iranian film producer and filmmaker, renowned for her bold and progressive work in the film industry. She is the first woman to be imprisoned and banned from acting in the Islamic Republic of Iran, a punishment imposed for her roles in films critical of the Iranian government.
Born and educated in Tehran, Marzieh Vafamehr graduated from the Fine Arts Faculty at Tehran University, specializing in Acting. With a passion for storytelling and a unique artistic vision, she has made a significant impact on both national and international film festivals. Her unwavering commitment to storytelling has given a voice to important narratives often overlooked or suppressed in Iranian society.
Throughout her career, Marzieh Vafamehr has faced numerous challenges as an Iranian female filmmaker. Despite these hurdles, she has shown remarkable resilience and courage in pursuing her passion for filmmaking. Her work has been recognized at prestigious film festivals worldwide, including the Sundance Film Festival, Rio De Janeiro Short Film Festival, Cine Pobre Cuba Odense Short Film Festival, and many more.
Marzieh Vafamehr's portfolio includes a series of captivating short films, such as "Nabat," "Wind, Ten Years Old," "Crossed Out," and "Station," which have garnered numerous awards and accolades. Her film "Station" won the Bronze Winner for Best Short: Foreign at the 1st Queen Palm International Film Festival in 2019.
As a talented producer, Marzieh Vafamehr's first co-production venture, "When Pomegranates Howl," made a significant impact, receiving nominations for Best Youth Feature Film at the 2021 Asia Pacific Screen Awards and the World Cinema Audience Award at The Kerala International Film Festival 2022. The film was officially selected at various prominent film festivals, including the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival, and more.
Marzieh Vafamehr's dedication to her craft, despite the challenges she has faced, has not gone unnoticed. She is a proud member of the APSA academy and has been recognized as an artist by the Sundance Institute. Her unwavering determination to tell stories that shed light on important social issues has made her a trailblazer in the Iranian film industry.
Marzieh Vafamehr's indomitable spirit, resilience, and commitment to storytelling continue to inspire audiences around the world. As an Iranian female filmmaker, she has broken barriers, challenged societal norms, and shattered stereotypes. Through her powerful films and unwavering determination, she has become a beacon of creativity, resilience, and the pursuit of artistic freedom.
