Parinaz Hashemi is an independent documentary filmmaker, editor, author, and researcher from Tehran, Iran, with more than twenty years of experience in cinema and television. She has contributed to over forty film and television productions in roles such as assistant director, editor, programmer, and production coordinator.
In 2009, following political events in Iran, she chose to leave institutional filmmaking and pursue a fully independent path. Since then, she has refused collaboration with government-affiliated productions and has continued her work without financial support from state institutions. This independence has allowed her to maintain full creative freedom and remain committed to stories that are often overlooked.
As a solo filmmaker, she travels across Iran documenting the lives of people whose voices are rarely heard. Her films explore social issues, cultural identity, marginalized communities, and human resilience. She continues to develop new works that focus on invisible stories and unheard voices.
Publications
– Bachehaye Naft (Children of Oil) — Kanoon‑e Parvaresh‑e Fekri, 2003
A behind‑the‑scenes memoir from the making of the film “Children of Oil”, documenting the creative process and production experience.
– Bachehaye Bam (Children of Bam) — Kanoon‑e Parvaresh‑e Fekri, 2004
A documentary‑style book about the children of Bam in the aftermath of the 2003 earthquake, capturing their stories, resilience, and lived reality.
– Divar‑Neveshtehaye Zendan‑e Qasr (Qasr Prison Wall Writings) — Cheshmeh Publishing, 2008
A curated collection of handwritten notes and wall writings from Qasr Prison, preserving the voices and traces of its historical inmates.
Works in Progress
The Writings on the Walls of Qasr Prison — Documentary in development
“Qasr Prison is a terrifying place. The massive walls surrounding its corridors create the impression that anyone who enters may never be free again…” — Bozorg Alavi, Fifty-Three Persons (53 Nafar)
This short video is a research fragment and an early visual note for a documentary project currently in development. It captures Qasr Prison before its demolition and transformation into a museum, preserving the atmosphere of a space marked by political history and human suffering. This footage represents the starting point of a larger cinematic narrative that I am developing into a documentary film.
Small Steps — Documentary in post-production
Small Steps is a documentary currently in editing. It follows individuals who volunteer their time and energy to make small but meaningful contributions toward improving the conditions of their communities. The film focuses on quiet acts of care, solidarity, and resilience — the kinds of efforts that rarely make headlines but shape the fabric of everyday life.
Curriculum Vitae
A detailed overview of Parinaz Hashemi’s professional background, filmography, publications, and artistic work.