Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1981-07-09
- Born Place: Tehran, Iran
Also Known As:
Zahra Amir Ebrahimi, زر امیرابراهیمی
Zar Amir Ebrahimi
Zar Amir Ebrahimi, born Zahra Amir Ebrahimi on July 9, 1981, in Tehran, Iran, is an Iranian-French actress, producer, and director who has garnered international acclaim for her powerful performances and her outspoken advocacy for women's rights. She began her career in Iran, making short films and acting in theatre and television. Her role in the popular Iranian TV series "Nargess" (2006) brought her significant fame.However, her life and career in Iran were dramatically upended in 2006 when a private, explicit video was leaked online and widely circulated, leading to a smear campaign, public humiliation, and threats of imprisonment and lashing. She ultimately fled Iran and sought exile in France, where she rebuilt her career and found a new sense of freedom and femininity.Amir Ebrahimi's international breakthrough came with her chilling and critically lauded performance as journalist Arezoo Rahimi in Ali Abbasi's 2022 crime thriller "Holy Spider." For this role, she made history by becoming the first Iranian woman to win the prestigious Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. She also served as casting director and associate producer for the film, which delves into the true story of a serial killer targeting sex workers in Mashhad, Iran.Since "Holy Spider," Amir Ebrahimi has been highly active, taking on diverse roles that often highlight themes of resilience and the challenges faced by women. Her recent works include "Tatami" (2023), which she co-directed with Guy Nattiv and also starred in as Maryam, and "Shayda" (2023), where she played the title role of a brave Iranian mother seeking refuge in Australia. She has also appeared in "Reading Lolita in Tehran" (2024), "White Paradise" (2022), and "Tomorrow We Are Free" (2019). Beyond her acting, she is also pursuing her directorial debut with a feature film titled "Honor of Persia," an autobiographical story about her last year in Iran.Zar Amir Ebrahimi's journey is a testament to her strength and artistic dedication, as she continues to use her platform to shed light on important social and political issues, particularly those affecting women in Iran. She is fluent in Persian, English, and French, and has gained recognition for her courageous spirit and compelling portrayals.

