Mariam Shahriar, from Tehran, Iran embarked on a journey that spanned across different continents and artistic realms. Her unwavering thirst for knowledge and deep passion for the world of cinema propelled her towards a career.

 

After spending a year studying architecture in the United States Shahriar decided to change her path and pursue Film Production at California State University. It was here that she honed her skills and nurtured her vision, directing numerous short films, music videos, and compelling short documentaries.

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Immersed in the landscape of Rome she took on the roles of writer, director and producer for her 35mm short film titled "Angelica É Una Brava Ragazza," working alongside a team of seasoned professionals. This project marked a milestone in her journey showcasing her unwavering dedication to the art form.

 

In 1999 Shahriar returned to Iran, her homeland to make her feature film debut with "Daughters of the Sun." This remarkable film garnered acclaim both domestically and internationally. It received accolades such as the Montréal First Film Prize at the Montréal World Film Festival the Grand Prix Award at the Bratislava International Film Festival. Notably, she also secured the Grand Jury Award for Outstanding International Narrative Feature at L.A. Outfest.

 

However, the film's recognition at L.A. Outfest led to controversy within the Islamic Republic, causing Mariam Shahriar to be placed on the regime's artistic blacklist. Unable to pursue her career under such circumstances, she made the difficult decision to leave Iran and settled down with her family in Germany. For many years, her artistic ambitions lay dormant, but her passion for filmmaking never waned.

 

Now, after an extended hiatus, Mariam Shahriar has once more chosen to rekindle her creative flame and return to the world of cinema.