Soha Zandi and Somaye Farhan

Soha Zandi & Somaye Farhan are an Iranian filmmaking duo whose collaborative works explore the intersections of memory, trauma, and resistance through innovative narrative structures. Their short film Fade-In (2023) won the Golden Leopard for Best International Short at Locarno Film Festival before its North American premiere at TIFF Short Cuts. Zandi, a graduate of Tehran University of Art's Film Program, and Farhan, who studied at DOC Nomads across Europe, combine their distinct backgrounds in experimental documentary and feminist theater to create works that challenge both form and censorship. Their signature hybrid style - blending archival manipulation with performative reenactments - has drawn comparisons to the works of Péter Forgács and Trinh T. Minh-ha. Fade-In's radical reimagining of Iran's cinematic history through erased women's voices has earned: The FIPRESCI Prize at Krakow Film Festival Special Jury Award at Clermont-Ferrand Best Short Film at IDFA's Student Competition Their previous collaboration The Names We Write in Secret (2021) was secretly screened at Visions du Réel before being banned in Iran, later becoming part of MoMA's "Art Under Censorship" exhibition. Currently working in exile, they are developing their first feature A Hundred Fading Frames through the Sundance Institute's Screenwriters Lab and Berlinale Talents. The duo has been recognized with: ARTE International Prize at Cinéma du Réel Amnesty International Film Award at Berlinale Asian Film Academy Fellowship at Busan IFF