Abdolreza Kahani is a prominent Iranian filmmaker known for his critical approach to social issues and the constraints faced by independent filmmakers in Iran. Born on December 22, 1973, in Nishapur, Iran, he began his filmmaking journey at the age of thirteen. He made his first feature film, "Dance with the Moon," in 2003. Kahani's works often confront sensitive topics, leading to several of his films being banned in Iran.

Kahani's notable films include "Twenty" (2009), which won the Special Jury Prize and the Prize of Ecumenical Jury at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The film depicts the struggles of employees trying to save a banquet hall from closure. Another significant work is "Over There" (2008), which won the Golden Alexander at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. His film "Nothing" (2010) received the Audience Award at the Yerevan International Film Festival.

In 2015, due to increasing censorship and pressure from the Iranian authorities, Kahani moved to France to continue his work more freely. His experience in exile has not diminished his commitment to independent cinema. He has openly criticized the Iranian government's approach to artistic freedom and continues to support movements advocating for human rights and freedom of expression, aligning himself with the Woman Life Freedom movement​.

Selected Filmography:

• "Dance with the Moon" (2004)
• "Twenty" (2009)
• "Over There" (2008)
• "Nothing" (2010)
• "Absolutely Tame Is a Horse" (2011)
• "Needlessly and Causelessly" (2012)
• "We Have Time" (2014)
• "Absolute Rest" (2015)
• "We Like You Mrs. Yaya" (2018)
• "Free Like Air" (2019)
• "Isthmus" (2021)​