My name is Pouria Afzali — an Iranian writer, director, and storyteller of truth. I am 35 years old, living in Europe, a husband and a devoted father. My life and my art have been shaped by passion, courage, and an unyielding pursuit of freedom. Every story I tell is a reflection of the journey I carry within me — from my homeland’s silence to the echoes of resistance that define my work today.
The Awakening: Theatre as the Birthplace of Truth
My journey began in university with theatre — the first space where I discovered the transformative power of narrative. The stage awakened my soul to human emotion, connection, and the profound responsibility that comes with storytelling. I realized that art was not merely a craft; it was a duty — a duty to speak, to question, to challenge, and to give voice to those who are silenced.
From theatre, I transitioned to idea development and documentary filmmaking, driven by a growing need to portray the hidden realities of everyday life in Iran. My early works delved into the quiet struggles of ordinary people — stories of love, pain, endurance, and truth that existed beneath the surface of a censored society.
Exile and the Cost of Speaking Truth
But truth, in my homeland, often carries a price.
My political stance and artistic choices eventually made it impossible for me to stay. Exile was not a choice — it was survival. Leaving Iran meant leaving behind family, friends, and familiarity, yet carrying within me an unbreakable bond with the land that shaped me.
This separation transformed my art. Away from home, I found both freedom and longing — freedom to express myself fully, and longing for the people and culture that continue to inspire my work. Exile deepened my conviction: I would dedicate my craft to revealing injustice, amplifying voices of protest, and preserving the collective memory of my people.
Cinema as Resistance: Stories of Memory and Hope
Since 2022, I have devoted myself to short filmmaking — each project a reflection of resistance, memory, and hope. My debut short film, Haft-Sin Khoonin (Bloody Haft-Sin), became an emotional cry for truth. The film earned fourth place at the Lotus International Film Festival, a recognition that affirmed my belief that cinema can serve as a mirror of conscience and a weapon of awareness.
My following work, Dadkhah (The Advocate), further strengthened this mission. It tells the story of a human rights lawyer navigating Iran’s oppressive legal system — a film born from pain, courage, and an unwavering call for justice. Dadkhah became a cinematic voice for the protests in Iran, touching hearts and inspiring solidarity far beyond the country’s borders.
Beyond Film: The Fusion of Protest and Poetry
My artistic journey extends beyond narrative cinema. I have directed several music videos that became viral works of visual protest — widely shared across social media platforms such as Instagram. Each piece fuses poetry, emotion, and defiance, embodying my belief that art and activism are inseparable.
I am also the author of A Drop from the Sea of Truth, a literary work that explores the delicate intersection between truth and illusion, pain and beauty. It reflects my conviction that while truth can be fragile, it is also eternal — surviving through art even when silenced by power.
Inspiration and Vision: The Women of Iran and the Dream of Freedom
Photography remains one of my most personal forms of expression. Through my lens, I capture resilience, dignity, and emotion — and most often, I find my greatest inspiration in the women of Iran. Their strength, courage, and unyielding grace define the heart of my creative work. They are the living symbols of hope and defiance in a nation longing for liberation.
My dream now is to create a feature film dedicated to the freedom of Iran — a film that captures the voice of generations, preserving their stories and their struggle for justice. For me, art is not just a reflection of life; it is a call to action, a way of keeping memory alive when silence threatens to erase it.
An Artist in Exile, A Storyteller of Resistance
Today, I stand as a recognized and active figure in the Iranian artistic diaspora, part of a movement of creators who use art as resistance. My work bridges cinema, activism, and cultural memory, transforming pain into purpose and connecting Iranian voices to the global stage.
Every film, every frame, every word I create is born from the same belief: that art can heal, awaken, and liberate. My stories do not seek sympathy — they seek understanding. They invite audiences to feel the heartbeat of a people who, despite oppression, continue to dream of freedom.
Truth as Legacy
This is my vision — to continue creating works that matter, works that challenge and heal, works that keep alive the dream of a just and free Iran.
Art is my resistance.
Storytelling is my weapon.
Truth is my purpose.
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