Amina Maher

Amina Maher (Persian: امین ماهر, born 1992) is a multifaceted Iranian queer feminist artist, activist, actress, and filmmaker currently based in Berlin, Germany. Her artistic endeavors delve into themes such as familial disintegration, the stigma surrounding shame, and the deconstruction of patriarchal narratives. Through her work, Maher challenges societal traditions, cultural norms, and media portrayals.

Her journey in cinema began with a notable role in Abbas Kiarostami and Mania Akbari’s acclaimed film "Ten" (2002), which garnered a nomination for the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Since that breakthrough, she has contributed to numerous films, taking on various roles in acting and editing that have been showcased at prominent festivals, including Cannes, the British Film Institute, the San Sebastián International Film Festival, and the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

As a director, Maher has produced short films that have achieved remarkable success, participating in over 200 festivals and securing more than 50 awards from events such as the Ann Arbor Film Festival, TLVFest, and Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival. Her notable short films, including "Letter to My Mother," "Out of Frame," and "Where Is the Friend’s Home?" were featured in the Internationales Frauen* Film Fest Dortmund+Köln and Museum Ostwall in 2022.

Maher’s creative output often revisits childhood experiences, mental health struggles, and the journey of self-discovery, with a dedicated mission to highlight trans and queer narratives. Her debut feature film has been recognized at the Berlin International Film Festival - Dok Station Lab, Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival - CPH:DOX Forum, and FID Lab Marseille Festival of Documentary Film.