Marzieh Vafamehr
- Actress
- Producer
- Director
Marzieh Vafamehr is the first woman who was imprisoned and banned from acting in the Islamic Republic of Iran for the crime of avant-garde, protestant, bold and progressive acting in film. She was arrested on 29 June 2011, reportedly due to her acting in Iranian-Australian film My Tehran for Sale-2009 that is critical of her native Iran. Amnesty International reported that she was sentenced to 90 lashes and a year in prison for appearing in the movie as an actress whose work is banned by the Iranian authorities.
She was banned from making or playing in films and any forms of cultural activities as well as from leaving Iran. She is an award-winning Iranian film producer and filmmaker known for her exceptional contributions to the world of cinema. She graduated from the Fine Arts Faculty at Tehran University, specializing in Acting. With a passion for storytelling and a unique artistic vision, Vafamehr has made a significant impact on both national and international film festivals.
As an Iranian female filmmaker, Vafamehr has faced numerous challenges in her artistic journey. Despite the hurdles, she has shown remarkable resilience and courage in pursuing her passion for filmmaking. Her unwavering commitment to storytelling has given a voice to important narratives often overlooked or suppressed in Iranian society.
Vafamehr's portfolio includes a series of captivating short films that have been showcased at prestigious events worldwide. Films like "Nabat," "Wind, Ten Years Old," "Crossed Out," and "Station" have been featured in renowned film festivals such as the Sundance Film Festival, Rio De Janeiro Short Film Festival, Cine Pobre Cuba Odense Short Film Festival, and many more.
The outstanding quality of her work was recognized when "Nabat" won the Best Film Award at the International Roshd Film Festival in 2003. Furthermore, "Wind, Ten Years Old" received the prestigious Best Short Film Award at the Roma Med Film Festival in 2007 and was among the top ten shorts selected for the Sundance Film Festival in 2008. Vafamehr's film "Station" also earned accolades as the Bronze Winner for Best Short: Foreign at the 1st Queen Palm International Film Festival in 2019.
As a talented producer, Vafamehr's first co-production venture, "When Pomegranates Howl," made a significant impact. The film was selected as the Australian entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 94th Academy Awards. Additionally, it received 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. "When Pomegranates Howl" gained recognition on an international level and 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.
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.
