Marjan Hashemi
Marjan Hashemi is an award-winning Iranian Canadian filmmaker based in Toronto. With a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a master’s degree in psychology, she went on to study acting. She acted in TV series and short films in Iran before moving to Canada. She made her first short film in 2017, which was nominated for Best Short Film in Dubai. She wrote and directed The Drip in 2018, a short narrative that competed at the Kerala Film Festival. She studied Advanced Film and TV at Sheridan College and continued writing and directing shorts that were showcased and nominated in festivals around the world. In 2021, Origami won the best international short film at the Jakarta Independent Film Festival. She values themes such as freedom, love, women’s rights, and social justice in her works. Marjan was the 2023 winner of the WIDC Feature Film Award for After Love. She made her first feature film, After Love, in 2024, which is currently in post-production.
Moeinreza Motallebi
Moein Reza Motallebi is an Iranian-Canadian producer, filmmaker, and director of photography based in Toronto. With over 16 years of experience in the film industry, he has worked on more than 30 feature films. He brings a wealth of expertise and a distinctive artistic vision to his projects. His work masterfully combines intimate, character-driven narratives with cinematic grandeur, often focusing on identity, displacement, and family themes. Born in Iran, He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Cinema (Producing & Directing) and an Associate’s Degree in Cinematography and Film/Video Production. Moein began his career in cinema before moving to France, where he lived for four years, refining his craft and gaining new perspectives. He later immigrated to Canada, where he has continued to build a successful career, transitioning to producing to support diverse voices and create meaningful stories. He has produced a feature film, a short film, and several music videos using virtual production in Canada. Moein’s projects are known for their compelling storytelling and striking visuals, reflecting his ability to navigate complex cultural landscapes. His work resonates with his deep commitment to exploring human connection, resilience, and the struggles and triumphs of belonging.
Ebrahim Ebrahimian
Ebrahim Ebrahimian is a filmmaker and producer in Iranian cinema. He is celebrated for his contributions to narrative and documentary filmmaking. Born in 1982 in Esfahan, he graduated in Directing from Soore University in 2004 and is an official member of the Directors Guild of Iran and the Independent Cinema Producers Guild of Iran. Ebrahimian began his professional journey in 2000, crafting documentaries and short films while pursuing his studies. Over the years, he has written and directed numerous acclaimed projects, including feature films like Obit (2013), Inadaptable (2016), Zero Floor (2018), and Dubland (2019). His work has been showcased at prestigious film festivals worldwide, such as the Fajr International Film Festival, London Film Festival, and Pune International Film Festival, among others.Beyond filmmaking, Ebrahimian is a passionate educator. He has served as an acting and directing instructor at AVA Cinematic School since 2020 and is the Franchisee, Principal, and Managing Director of AFRA Cinematic School in Tehran. His dedication to nurturing new talent and advancing Iranian cinema has cemented his reputation as a key figure in the industry.With a portfolio that includes collaborations with the United Nations and a deep commitment to storytelling, Ebrahimian’s work reflects a unique blend of artistic vision and social consciousness.