Hello, I’m Farzad Khoshdast, a documentary filmmaker, photographer, and writer. My work focuses on human rights and social issues, using intimate visuals and thoughtful narratives to engage audiences around the world. I’ve directed and produced award-winning documentaries at DEFC, taught cinema and photography at Iranian universities, and continue to explore storytelling across film, photography, and advertising. I value curiosity, collaboration, and a responsible approach to creative work.

Farzad Khoshdast

Hello, I’m Farzad Khoshdast, a documentary filmmaker, photographer, and writer. My work focuses on human rights and social issues, using intimate visuals and thoughtful narratives to engage audiences around the world. I’ve directed and produced award-winning documentaries at DEFC, taught cinema and photography at Iranian universities, and continue to explore storytelling across film, photography, and advertising. I value curiosity, collaboration, and a responsible approach to creative work.

Available to hire

Hello, I’m Farzad Khoshdast, a documentary filmmaker, photographer, and writer. My work focuses on human rights and social issues, using intimate visuals and thoughtful narratives to engage audiences around the world.

I’ve directed and produced award-winning documentaries at DEFC, taught cinema and photography at Iranian universities, and continue to explore storytelling across film, photography, and advertising. I value curiosity, collaboration, and a responsible approach to creative work.

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Language

English
Advanced

Work Experience

Documentary Filmmaker at The Documentary and Experimental Film Center (DEFC)
October 1, 2008 - September 1, 2025
Documentary cinema focused on human rights themes and social harms; produced two notable films, A Woman Without a Name and Narrow Red Line, within this process.
Writer, Director at Self-initiated feature film projects
December 1, 2020 - September 1, 2025
During this period I worked on a feature film, finished writing the script and began shooting, but the project remained unfinished due to censorship and lack of freedom of expression; I subsequently emigrated.
Photographer at Freelance Photographer
January 1, 1991 - August 1, 2025
Started taking professional photographs in high school; photography formed the foundation of my approach to cinema; influenced by Abbas Kiarostami.
Art Instructor and Workshop Facilitator at Iranian Universities
March 1, 2010 - March 1, 2015
Taught cinema at Iranian universities for five years and organized workshops for provincial centers.
Advertising Director at Basit Company
October 1, 2003 - October 1, 2008
Directed and served as art consultant for several advertising campaigns; notable collaboration on television advertising.
Writer, Director at Independent / The Documentary and Experimental Film Center (DEFC)
December 1, 2020 - September 1, 2025
During this time, I worked on my feature film, finished writing the script and began shooting, but the film remained unfinished due to censorship and lack of freedom of expression, and I was forced to emigrate.
Photographer at Self-employed / Freelance Photographer
January 1, 1991 - August 1, 2025
I started taking professional photos in high school. I have always considered photography the foundation of cinema. Later, Abbas KiARostami, who was my professor in cinema, taught me that photography is the most important part and the beginning of cinema.
Writer, Director
December 1, 2020 - September 1, 2025
Writer and director with a current tenure from December 2020 to September 2025. Began with writing a feature film and later started shooting; the project remained unfinished due to censorship and lack of freedom of expression, which led to migration.
Documentary Film Maker at The Documentary and Experimental Film Center (DEFC)
October 1, 2008 - September 1, 2025
Documentary cinema focused on human rights and social harms. Produced two important films, A Woman Without A Name and Narrow Red Line, which won prestigious awards at major international festivals.
Photographer
January 1, 1991 - August 1, 2025
Started taking professional photos in high school; photography formed the foundation of cinema. Learned from Abbas Kiarostami, who emphasized photography as the essential starting point of cinema.
Art Instructor and Workshop Facilitator
March 1, 2010 - March 1, 2015
Taught cinema at Iranian universities for five years and conducted workshops for provincial centers.
Writer & Director (Feature Film) at Self / Independent Feature Film
December 1, 2020 - September 1, 2025
Wrote and directed a feature film, completed the script and began shooting; project remained unfinished due to censorship and lack of freedom of expression, which led to emigration.
Photographer at Self-Employed
January 1, 1991 - August 1, 2025
Started taking professional photos in high school; photography formed the foundation of cinema; studied under Abbas Kiarostami who emphasized photography as the beginning of cinema.
Advertising Director at Basit
October 1, 2003 - October 1, 2008
Director and art consultant for advertising; collaborated with Basit Company on television advertising.

Education

Master's degree in cinema and audiovisual project for cinema at Iranian Universities
March 1, 2010 - March 1, 2015

Qualifications

Master's degree in cinema and audiovisual
January 11, 2030 - December 9, 2025
Master's degree in cinema and audiovisual
January 11, 2030 - December 30, 2025
Master's degree in cinema and audiovisual project
January 11, 2030 - December 30, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other