Shirin Neshat is an influential Iranian visual artist and filmmaker known for her poignant explorations of gender, politics, and cultural identity. Born on March 26, 1957, in Qazvin, Iran, Neshat left her homeland to study art in the United States. She gained international recognition in the 1990s with her photography series "Women of Allah," which delves into the complexities of female identity in Islamic culture.

Neshat's notable works include "Women Without Men" (2009), a film adaptation of Shahrnush Parsipur's novel that intertwines the stories of women navigating societal oppression in Iran during the 1953 coup. Another significant work is "Looking for Oum Kulthum" (2017), a self-reflective exploration of the legendary Egyptian singer's life through the perspective of an Iranian female filmmaker. Her latest film, "Land of Dreams" (2021), blends her personal narrative with the collective dreams and fears of Iranians, set against the backdrop of American society.

Neshat has been an outspoken supporter of the Woman Life Freedom movement, using her art to amplify the voices of Iranian women and advocate for human rights. Despite facing accusations of opportunism due to her position in exile, she continues to create art that challenges oppressive regimes and supports the fight for equality and freedom​.

Selected Filmography:

• "Women Without Men" (2009)
• "Looking for Oum Kulthum" (2017)
• "Land of Dreams" (2021)
• "Turbulent" (1998)
• "Rapture" (1999)
• "Fervor" (2000)​