Tara Aghdashloo is an Iran-born filmmaker, writer and multidisciplinary artist based between London and Toronto. With a background in journalism and literature, her body of work captures nuanced characters, examining the contradictory nature of human desire and disrupting established tropes. She works closely with actors and non-actors in developing each piece, while her background in visual arts informs her attention in creating a distinct visual language. 

Born in Tehran, Iran, Tara emigrated to Toronto in her teens. She studied journalism at the Toronto Metropolitan University with a focus on political philosophy, and received her MA at SOAS, University of London with an interest in critical media theory and aesthetics of politics. Her articles and essays have been published in a range of newspapers and magazines, and her documentaries and reports appeared on Channel 4 and BBC World among others. In recent years Tara pivoted to writing and directing, and her first narrative short, THE RIDE was commissioned by BFI Network with the support of Canada Council of the Arts and Toronto Arts Council. It premiered at the Oscar Qualifying Cinequest Festival and has been screened in competition at many festivals internationally, winning Best Short Film at Nostalgia Festival. Her second narrative short, BRIDGE, was funded by BBC Talent Development, and premiered at the BIFA and BAFTA Qualifying Norwich Film Festival and continues its journey. Tara recently completed her third short, EMPTY YOUR POCKETS, with funding by Canada Council of the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and Intermission Short Film Fund, and produced by OPC Film and Intermission Film. She’s currently developing her debut narrative feature with the support of Telefilm Canada and Ontario Creates. 

Tara’s an alumni of renowned director Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s filmmaking masterclass at the London Film Academy, and he remains as her mentor. She’s a member of Director’s UK and has served as a jury on various festivals and funding bodies including Canada Council of the Arts. Her writings have appeared in the Financial Times, Harvard Business Review,The Guardian, Real Life Magazine, The New Inquiry, TANK Magazine, The Lead, Ibraaz, Fashion Magazine, Art Rabbit, Adult Magazine, and many more, and in her poetry collection THIS IS NOT A POMEGRANATE was published in Toronto. Alongside her artistic practice, she co-founded The Invisible Line Gallery (TIL) in East London, curating over 30 exhibitions as well as film programs. Tara’s a vocal intersectional feminist and an advocate for human rights in Iran and MENA region, as well as matters around displacement. She speaks regularly about inclusivity and representation in film, participates on panels, and leads workshops. This work has forced her into exile from Iran. 

In between filmmaking, Tara paints, writes poetry and art directs.