On April 1st, 1985, a girl named Sara was born in southern Iran amidst bombardments from the Iraqis. Due to the constant danger of bombardments, Sara’s family had to live in trenches and shelters during the Iran-Iraq war. When the war finally ended and it was safe for her family to return home, Sara was about 3 years old. She was a dreamer, always drawn to various stories. In the early years of her life, she displayed a keen interest in the performing arts. However, during that time, foreign movies, music videos, and similar forms of entertainment were forbidden in the country, leading people to smuggle Bollywood films into their homes. Inspired by these smuggled video tapes, Sara began performing in the streets as a child and even earned some money. Unfortunately, as she grew older, she was no longer allowed to continue performing. Nevertheless, she kept the flame of her passion alive within her.
After a long battle with her family, she finally enrolled in the Art University of Tehran (2003-2007), where she pursued a degree in screenwriting from the Cinema department. Her dream eventually became reality as she obtained her bachelor’s degree. Continuing her education, she went on to earn an MA in play directing from the same university (2008-2010).
Simultaneously, she gained admission to Karnameh Art and Cultural Institute, a prestigious private drama school in Iran known for its rigorous selection process. Upon graduating from Karnameh (2004-2005), she immediately joined a theatre group, which significantly contributed to her growth in acting and performing arts in general. Her time with the group greatly enhanced her knowledge and skills in the field.
As she honed her performing and acting skills, she embarked on the long-held idea of writing a novel.
Concurrently, she landed a role in the immensely popular TV series “The Innocents” (2008), which achieved great success. Additionally, she had the opportunity to participate in a highly acclaimed play called “Vavha Va Vigroolha” (2009) alongside her classmates at Karnameh, who collectively wrote, directed, and acted in the production. This groundbreaking play had a profound impact on the community, serving as a source of inspiration for numerous artists.
The subsequent year saw her portrayal in “Señora Carrar’s Rifles” (2010), a play penned by Bertolt Brecht. Her exceptional performance garnered her a nomination for Best Actress at the 29th Fajr Theatre Festival.
“Vavha va Virgoolha (2009)”
“The Woman Who was Found at the Lost & Found” (2016-Novel)
“The Woman Who was Found at the Lost & Found” (2016-Novel)
“The Woman Who Was Found at the Lost & Found” tells the story of five talented, ambitious, and perfectionist university graduates who are best friends and members of a literature club. Together, they engage in reading, analyzing, and critiquing books as well as contemporary artists and writers. Driven by a desire to make a difference, they soon realize that the real world is not as idealistic as they had imagined.
The book follows these five friends as they navigate the harsh realities of society and their surroundings while striving to protect and support one another. Amidst their journey, Sara, the protagonist, experiences a significant shift in her life after her first novel, “A Woman Who Was Found Among Lost Objects,” is published. The success of her debut work provides her with the confidence, courage, and connections required to venture into new and unfamiliar territories within her beloved field, ultimately dedicating her life to further exploration and experiences.
performed on stage for 30 nights at the City Theatre in Tehran in August 2018.
Writer and director: Sara Mokhavat
Actors: Nazanin Ahmadi, Prandeh Alaie, Haleh Gorji
Set design: Afsaneh Sarfehjoo
Costume design: Maryam Nameemzadeh
Sound design: Hamed Kiaee
Music: Siavash Valipour
Light design: Mohamad Hadadi
Director’s assistant: Behnam Amini
“FAREWELL MY CHERRY ORCHARD” (2018-Play)
“SHOGOON” (short film, 2019)
Writer and director: Sara Mokhavat
Cinematography: Majid Gorjian
Actors: Razieh Iranshahr
Sound design: Zohreh Aliakbari
Set and costume design: Sarah Fallah
Edit: Mojtaba Esmaeeilzadeh
Coloring: Farbod Jalali
Sound: Vahid Moghaddasi
Three high school girls are struggling to clear their names from an accusation, otherwise, the stain stays forever.
Writer, Director and Producer: Sara Mokhavat
DOP: Majid Gorjian
Edit: Mojtaba Esmaeilzadeh
Mix & Sound: Zohreh Aliakbari
Script Supervisor: Zahra Khozooie
Colorist: Hootan Haghshenas
Music: Siavash Valipour
Set Designer: Hamed Aslani
Costume Designer: Sara Mokhavat
Makeup: Pedram Zargar
Cast:
Tara Abtahi
Neda Golrangi
Dorsa Katal
Sara Mokhavat
Nadia Noroozzadeh
“PRIVATE” (short film, 2021)
“DEFIANCE—AN ESSAY FROM SARA MOKHAVAT” (2022-essay)
When an oppressive, insulting cleric makes life unbearable at a university campus in Tehran, students rebel. Pandemonium ensues.
Translated from the Persian by Salar Aboh
https://themarkaz.org/defiance-an-essay-from-sara-mokhavat/
Translated from the Persian by Salar Abdoh
A sad story about a football love affair.
Published at The Markaz Review (15 November 2022)
https://themarkaz.org/farewell-to-a-football-love-affair-in-iran/
“Farewell to a Football Love Affaire in Iran” (2022- Essay)
“LOVEBIRDS” (short film, 2023)
Writer and Director: Sara Mokhavat
Producer: Mostafa Ghanbarpour (Noorventurous)
Key Cast: Nazanin Ahmadi Nima Rad
Director Of Photography: majidgorjian
Editor: Mahdi Iravani
Sound Recorder: Mehrad Abolghasemi
Music: Farshad Fozouni
Sound Design: Zohreh Aliakbari
Production Designer: Mehdi Mohamadi
Costume Designer: Maryam Naeemzadeh
Assistant Director and Casting: Peyman Naji
Line Production And Production Manager: Farshad Hashemi Makeup Artist: Mohamadreza Mirbagheri
Poster: Mohamad Ali Khodahami
Photography: Ardalan Azarmi