A portrait of Iranian-Afghan filmmakers Mahmoudi brothers

Born in Afghanistan and raised in Iran, the Mahmoudi brothers, Navid and Jamshid, have emerged as dynamic figures linking the worlds of Iranian and Afghan cinema.

Their journey, marked by passion, collaboration, and storytelling prowess, has contributed to the global recognition of Afghan cinema.

Navid Mahmoudi: A journey from assistant director to producer and director

Navid Mahmoudi, born in 1980 in Parvan, Afghanistan, relocated to Iran at a young age. His fascination with films ignited early, leading him to embark on a professional path as an assistant director.

Over the years, he evolved into a seasoned producer, contributing to more than 10 movies.

Notably, he produced his first feature, ‘A Few Cubic Meters of Love’ (2012), directed by his brother Jamshid. This film not only represented Afghanistan at the Academy Awards in 2014 but also garnered international acclaim with screenings at over 30 festivals and winning eight awards.

In 2016, Navid directed his feature film, ‘Parting’, and in 2019, he produced Jamshid's second film, ‘Rona, Azim’s Mother’, earning him a nomination at APSA Awards.

Jamshid Mahmoudi: Weaving narratives inspired by reality

Born in Afghanistan in 1983, Jamshid's family sought refuge in Iran when he was just one year old.

While he had the opportunity to pursue higher education in art, Jamshid chose to collaborate with his older brother Navid, taking on roles as an assistant director and eventually directing his own film in 2008.

His debut feature, ‘A Few Cubic Meters of Love’ (2012), drew inspiration from a true story in Kabul, earning accolades at international festivals.

In 2016, Jamshid served as the scriptwriter, producer, and editor for ‘Parting’, directed by Navid. His second film, ‘Rona, Azim’s Mother’ (2019), further solidified his position in the cinematic landscape, earning him an APSA nomination.

The Mahmoudi brothers have played a pivotal role in fostering collaborations between Iranian and Afghan cinemas.

Beyond cinematic ventures, the brothers have expanded their influence into television series, producing works such as ‘The Lion Skin’ for the Iranian domestic market and series like ‘The Shade’ and ‘My Dear’ for IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting).

The Mahmoudi brothers, with their dedication to storytelling and cross-cultural collaboration, continue to be instrumental in shaping the narrative of Afghan cinema on the global stage.

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