Zahra Mehrwarz
Zahra Mehrwarz is an Afghan director and screenwriter, known for her works that explore the condition of women in her home country. Trained in filmmaking in Iran, she gained international recognition with her debut feature film, *Hava, Maryam, Ayesha* (2019). The film, which weaves together the lives of three women from different social backgrounds in Kabul, sensitively addresses themes such as motherhood, marriage, and the pursuit of autonomy. The work premiered at the 76th Venice International Film Festival in the Orizzonti section and was selected as Afghanistan's official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, consolidating her reputation on the world stage. Her style is characterized by a realistic approach and a particular focus on the silent struggles of her protagonists, often using non-professional actors to enhance the authenticity of the narrative.
