Directing

Nahid Persson Sarvestani

Nahid Persson Sarvestani, an Iranian-Swedish documentary filmmaker and director, was born on May 24, 1960, in Shiraz, Iran. After the Iranian Revolution of 1979, she fled her homeland and settled in Sweden as a refugee, where she would go on to forge a distinguished career in cinema.

Persson Sarvestani is best known for her powerful documentary works that often explore themes of exile, identity, and political upheaval. Among her most acclaimed films is *The Last Days of Winter* (2012), which earned her the prestigious Guldbagge Award for Best Documentary. Another notable work, *Prostitution Behind the Veil* (2004), sheds light on the hidden world of sex workers in Iran, sparking international conversation and acclaim for its unflinching honesty. Her film *The Queen of Iran* (2019) delves into the life of Farah Pahlavi, the last empress of Iran, offering a nuanced portrait of royalty and revolution.

Throughout her career, Persson Sarvestani has received numerous awards and honors, including multiple Guldbagge nominations and recognition at festivals such as the Tempo Documentary Festival and the Göteborg Film Festival. Her documentaries are praised for their intimate storytelling and fearless exploration of controversial subjects. By giving voice to the marginalized and challenging political narratives, she has established herself as a vital figure in contemporary documentary filmmaking, bridging her Iranian heritage with her Swedish present.

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