Siamak Dehghanpour: A Voice Between Worlds, Through Film and Journalism

Siamak Dehghanpour, an Iranian-American filmmaker and journalist, stands as a unique voice in the world of independent cinema. His work, shaped by exile, conflict, and a lifelong pursuit of truth, blends poetic storytelling with a powerful social conscience.

Born and raised in Tehran, Dehghanpour came of age during the turbulence of the Iranian Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War, in which he served. Afterward, he pursued theater, television, and filmmaking at the University of Art in Tehran, earning a bachelor’s degree and beginning a master’s program that was ultimately interrupted when he was forced to leave the country due to political circumstances.

Before his departure, Dehghanpour had already made his mark as a creative force. He directed A Haiku for Home (1999), a short 16mm fiction film, and completed several documentary projects in Iran. He also owned a publishing business and held senior editorial positions across multiple Iranian publications, continuing a family legacy—his grandfather was a respected poet and journalist.

Over the next two decades, Dehghanpour established himself as a prominent international TV journalist, known for his deep, analytical coverage of Middle Eastern affairs. But his passion for cinema remained alive. Years later, he returned to film school, earning an MFA in Film and Media Arts from American University in Washington, D.C.

Since then, Dehghanpour has written numerous screenplays and directed several award-winning films. His recent works—My Fears (2021), Let Her Sing (2023), and The Passion of A Revolutionary Cinderella (2024)—have been recognized at international film festivals for their intimate, courageous storytelling. His films often center on the voices of women, refugees, and those living under authoritarian regimes.

Let Her Sing is a poignant exploration of the suppression of female voices in restrictive societies, while The Passion of A Revolutionary Cinderella reimagines a classic tale through a revolutionary, politically charged lens focusing on sexual violence and freedom of conscience. These works showcase Dehghanpour’s distinctive narrative style, rooted in both lived experience and artistic vision.

Now, with his latest short fiction film Exposed set for release in 2025, Dehghanpour continues to push boundaries. While the story remains under wraps, the film is said to explore themes of identity, surveillance, and vulnerability in a world where privacy is increasingly fragile.

What makes Dehghanpour’s work so compelling is his ability to merge the precision of journalism with the emotional depth of cinema. His camera functions as both a witness and a storyteller, capturing the complexity of the human experience while illuminating truths that often remain hidden.

Through war, censorship, and displacement, Dehghanpour has never stopped creating. His journey is a testament to the enduring power of art—and the belief that no matter how distant home may feel, storytelling can always bring us closer.

In addition to his creative achievements, Dehghanpour’s work is deeply rooted in advocacy and cultural preservation. As both a filmmaker and journalist, he has made it his mission to document the experiences of those whose voices are often silenced or erased. Whether portraying the psychological toll of displacement or the quiet strength of women resisting oppression, his stories carry emotional weight and global relevance. Dehghanpour believes that cinema is not just entertainment, but a vital tool for empathy, education, and resistance.