Mojtaba Mirtahmasb

Mojtaba Mirtahmasb, born in Kerman, Iran, in 1971, is a distinguished filmmaker and documentarian whose work often delves into the intricacies of Iranian culture and Shiite traditions. He pursued his education in Visual Art and Handicrafts at the University of Art “Mojtame’-e Daneshgahiyeh Honar” in Tehran from 1992 to 1995, where he developed a keen interest in Shiite rituals, as well as photography and filmmaking.

Following his graduation, Mirtahmasb directed a series of nine documentaries focused on the Islamic Art and Material Culture of Iranian Shiism during 1996 and 1997. His films explored various traditional crafts such as calico making, glazing, enamel work, tile work, and needlework. Additionally, he created three short videos during his military service, titled The Story of Khoramshahr, Motherland, and Stars. His collaborations include working alongside notable Iranian directors like Kambozia Partovi, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, and Siddiq Barmak.

In a significant turn of events, Mirtahmasb was arrested in the fall of 2011, along with five other filmmakers, for their involvement in a BBC Persian documentary about Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. They were accused by Iranian authorities of engaging in activities deemed anti-national. Mirtahmasb was released in December 2011. His documentary, This Is Not a Film, was subsequently shortlisted for Best Documentary Feature at the 85th Academy Awards in December 2012, marking a notable achievement in his career.