Samīrā Makhmalbāf (born on February 15, 1980), is a filmmaker and screenwriter. She was initiated into the world of cinema during her formative years, appearing in her father Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s film, Bāysīkilrān (The Cyclist), in 1989. In 1994, she left high school to study cinema at her father’s the Makhmalbāf Film House. Her directorial debut came with Sīb (The Apple, 1998), which was presented at the Cannes Film Festival and was screened in thirty countries. Her directorial journey continued with three additional feature films The Blackboard (Takhtah’sīyāh, 2000, Panj–i ʻasr (At Five in the Afternoon, 2003), and Asb-i daw’pā (Two-Legged Horse, 2008). Makhmalbaf’s films have been celebrated for their originality, artistic depth, and the powerful thematic statements they convey, addressing issues such as economic struggle, and the marginalization of the underprivileged, while shedding light on crucial societal issues. Makhmalbaf has received over twenty awards acknowledging her outstanding contributions to cinema and has served as a jury member at international film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and Berlin.