The Producers

Co-director – Sharmin Mojtahedzadeh
Sharmin Mojtahedzadeh is an Iranian filmmaker, producer, and photographer. Born in Tehran, Iran, Sharmin initially embarked on a career in Industrial Management, backed by an MBA degree and over 11 years of experience in the field. Starting her filmmaking journey in 2012, she has consistently highlighted themes of human rights, women's issues, and facets of humanity often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

Co-director – Paliz Khoshdel
Paliz Khoshdel is a freelance filmmaker, DOP, Editor, and Producer. He started his career in 2001 by making videos but also ethnographic and historical films. Since 2009, he has been working as a documentary and experimental filmmaker and producer. Many of his films are about Iranian youth and their underground activities.

Making The Film

Directors' Statement

The Football Aficionado is an ode to Iran's contemporary brave women on the difficult ground to assert their rights. As coaches aligned with gender equality and passion for football, we admire Zahra’s courage, which symbolizes the resilience of her generation. With this film, we aim to enhance the significance of Zahra’s struggle in the context of the ongoing Iranian women’s movement. As independent filmmakers, it is our commitment to ensure that brave women like Zahra can have a voice, to ensure that their stories resonate globally rather than being silenced, and to foster empathy and understanding of the challenges women face in their quest for equality in a reforming society.

Sharmin Mojtahedzadeh, Co-Director