Sepideh Farsi, born in Tehran in 1965, transitioned from photography to filmmaking after moving to Paris in 1984. Her early documentaries, like Tehran Without Permission, reveal the daily struggles and social issues of life in Iran. Shot on a mobile phone to bypass government censorship, it showcases the resilience of women facing societal challenges​.

Her activism aligns with her filmmaking, as she uses her platform to critique oppressive norms, particularly those restricting women's rights. In The Siren, which premiered at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival, Farsi tells the story of a boy in the besieged city of Abadan during the Iran-Iraq war, blending historical and personal narratives that emphasize themes of identity and resistance​.

Beyond filmmaking, Farsi is an outspoken advocate for gender equality, opposing compulsory hijab laws and supporting global movements like "Women, Life, Freedom." Her films and activism amplify marginalized voices and challenge oppressive norms, making her a crucial figure in the fight for women's rights in Iran and beyond.

Selected Filmography:

• "Harat" (2007)
• "Tehran Without Permission" (Tehrān bedun-e mojavvez) (2009)
  
• "The House Under the Water" (Zir-e āb) (2010)
• "Red Rose" (2014)
• "The Siren" (La Sirène) (2023)