Shilan Saadi

Born and raised in Mahabad, a Kurdish city in northwestern Iran, my work as an independent filmmaker and producer is deeply rooted in my cultural heritage. I have contributed to a range of (...) documentary and narrative films, all driven by a commitment to portraying the lived experiences of Kurdish people—especially the profound struggles and resilience of Kurdish women. I hold a BA in Cinema from Soore University in Tehran, and my artistic approach has been shaped by experiences such as Berlinale Talents 2019 and the “Personal Language in Documentary Film” program with Arne Bro at the Danish Film School. These milestones played a crucial role in defining my voice as an independent filmmaker. My feature documentary and short films have received numerous national and international awards, reflecting the urgency and relevance of the stories I seek to tell. I am currently supporting emerging Kurdish women directors through the Afran Group, helping them develop and realize their first films continuing a collective effort to expand and strengthen Kurdish cinema.