Zar Amir Ebrahimi Biography – Selective Ranks

Amir Ebrahimi embarked on her career at the young age of eighteen, directing her first short film, “Khat” in 2000. Simultaneously, she showcased her acting prowess in Reza Keshavarz’s play “Water” during the 19th Fajr Theatre Festival. Her feature film debut came in 2001 with “Waiting,” directed by Mohammad Nourizad, where she starred alongside Mohammad Ali Keshavarz. In the same year, she participated in Ayat Najafi’s play “Sleepy Noon” at the Niavaran Cultural Center of Tehran. The year 2003 saw Amir Ebrahimi in notable plays like Rahman Seifi Azad’s “Gathering in Hell” and Reza Hadad’s “There Is No One Who Can Remember All the Stories,” both performed at the 22nd Fajr Theatre Festival. The latter was also showcased at the Lakoon Theatre Festival in Hamburg.

Following her role in the television series “Nargess,” Amir Ebrahimi faced a national scandal when a private video purportedly featuring her was leaked, resulting in a 10-year ban from Iranian films and television. “Journey to Hidalou” was also prohibited from screening due to the controversy. Despite these challenges, Amir Ebrahimi continued to make significant contributions to the film industry. In 2019, she featured in various projects, including the French film “Adopt a Daddy,” Hossein Pourseifi’s “Tomorrow We Are Free,” and Manon Coubia’s short film “Tide.” Her commitment to cultural freedom was acknowledged when she received the Hamburg Award for Cultural Freedom in 2019. Her accomplishments reached global recognition when she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for “Holy Spider,” leading to condemnation from the Iranian government. Subsequently, she faced threats but continued her successful career with roles in films like “White Paradise.”

In 2023, Amir Ebrahimi’s achievements continued to soar. She was honored at the Variety + Golden Globes Breakthrough Artists Awards Party and invited to join The Academy. Her involvement extended to film festivals, where she served on the jury for the Locarno Film Festival and the Marrakech International Film Festival. Amir Ebrahimi’s directorial venture, “Tatami,” co-directed with Guy Nattiv, premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival. Notably, she became the first Iranian actress to win the Best Actress award at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival for “Tatami.” The trajectory of her career remained upward with a starring role in the film adaptation of “Reading Lolita in Tehran,” announced in May 2023. Her accomplishments earned her a place on BBC’s 100 Women list and a significant move to join the United Talent Agency in Hollywood in November 2023.