Sahar is an emerging Canadian-Iranian filmmaker dedicated to using the power of visual storytelling to provoke thought and inspire social change. Sahar grew up in Toronto, Canada with her filmmaker/photographer parents. She has a Bachelor's in Film Studies and Psychology and a Master's in Public Health from the University of Toronto and completed a Digital Media Production course at Massey University, and the Adventure Filmmaking program through NZ Mountain Film Festival.
She directed her first documentary, Goodnight Epuni St, during COVID lock-down, about her neighbourhood and the role of music in bringing community together in the midst of uncertainty. Last year, she wrote and directed, Women Rising, a short documentary profiling the story of Hanna, an Iranian activist living in Wellington and her fight for equality against the backdrop of the Women, Life, Freedom movement. Sahar recently completed Te Araroa where she documented the inspiring people and stories she encountered along her journey.
Women Rising (2023) is a documentary series which tells the stories of brave and inspiring Iranian women who are speaking up and demanding change for women in Iran. The first episode highlights Hanna, one of the key activists behind the Women Life Freedom movement in Wellington, New Zealand and her story of fighting back in the face of gender oppression.
A documentary filmed over COVID lock down in the quirky neighbourhood of Aro Valley. It showcases the power of music to bring community together and provide joy in the midst of uncertainty.
Watch this space!
A sample from my photography collection
If you would like to get in touch, please email me at sahar.fanian@gmail.com