Samira Makhmalbaf, a celebrated Iranian film director and screenwriter, was born in Tehran in 1980 and grew up amidst the pulsating sets of her father, the illustrious director Mohsen Makhmalbaf. At a mere 17 years of age, Samira helmed her debut feature film “The Apple,” which dazzled audiences at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival, and etched her name in history as the youngest director to compete at Cannes.

Samira’s films exude a deeply personal touch, weaving together her own experiences and astute observations of Iranian society, exploring the themes of oppression, poverty, and women’s rights. Her critically acclaimed works include “At Five in the Afternoon” (2003), a poignant tale of a young Afghan woman yearning for education, and “Two-Legged Horse” (2008), a heart-wrenching story of a disabled boy who smuggles goods across the treacherous Afghanistan-Iran border.

Samira’s films have been lauded with accolades at film festivals worldwide, including the coveted Jury Prize at Cannes for “At Five in the Afternoon.” She is revered as one of Iran’s most influential filmmakers and a potent voice for women in Iranian cinema. Though she currently resides in Tehran, Samira’s cinematic masterpieces have earned her global recognition and admiration.