Keywan Karimi is an Iranian filmmaker of Kurdish descent, recognized for his poignant and often politically charged documentaries and short films. Born in 1985, Karimi's work critically examines societal issues within Iran, often leading to significant personal and legal challenges due to the content of his films. His notable works include "Writing on the City," which explores the political graffiti in Tehran from the 1979 Islamic Revolution to the 2009 re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. This documentary, among others, placed Karimi at the center of controversy and led to his arrest and sentencing by Iranian authorities.

Karimi's filmmaking journey is marked by a commitment to exploring and depicting the social and political landscapes of Iran, often highlighting the struggles and voices of the marginalized. His first feature film, "Drum," premiered at the Venice Film Festival's Critics’ Week in 2016, further establishing his reputation in international cinema circles. Despite the recognition, his career has been fraught with persecution, including a prison sentence and the threat of lashes, which has drawn international condemnation and highlighted issues of censorship and artistic freedom in Iran.

Throughout his career, Karimi has garnered support from the global filmmaking community and human rights organizations, which have advocated for his release and condemned the restrictions imposed on him. His story resonates with the ongoing struggles many artists face in countries with stringent censorship laws, making him a significant figure in the discourse on freedom of expression and the power of cinema to challenge and reflect societal issues​.

Selected Filmography:

• "Broken Border" (2012, short documentary)
• "The Adventures of a Married Couple" (2013, short)
• "Writing on the City" (2015, documentary)
• "Drum" (2016)
• "Do You Know Anything About OMID?" (2020, feature)