Sanaz Arjmand’s Work Showcased at International Photography Festivals

Sanaz Arjmand, a distinguished Iranian photographer and manager of the filmmaking company Seven Skies Entertainment, has once again offered audiences a unique perspective on Iran through her photo series titled Faces of the Untold. This series, a visual narrative of the lives of rural Iranian women and children, was warmly received at multiple international festivals in 2024 and earned nominations for significant awards.

In its first step, the series made it to the 8th Toronto Nollywood International Film Festival in Canada in September 2024, which has been qualified by the Canadian Screen Awards, where it was nominated for Best Photography. Following that, on October 1st, Faces of the Untold appeared at the Alternative Film Festival (AltFF) in Canada, earning another nomination for Best Photography. The series then reached the Bangkok Movie Awards in Thailand, where it won the Creative Photography Award.

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Exhibition Statement

Sanaz Arjmand held a 10-day exhibition at the renowned Saless Art Gallery in Tehran, offering audiences a close-up view of her photography. The images were printed in black and white, and each image was partially brought to life with colored pencils. In the exhibition statement, Arjmand describes her works as a journey into the heart of Iran’s villages. By showcasing the everyday lives of women and children who live significant yet hidden roles, she transports the viewer to a world full of wonders and untold stories. This series especially focuses on the resilience and endurance of these women and children, offering a deeply artistic portrayal of their vibrant and ongoing lives.

Exhibition Reflections Among Artists and Critics

Lili Golestan, an artistic director and gallery owner, described Sanaz Arjmand’s work as “delicate and tasteful”, stating that she had not seen such work either inside or outside of Iran. She believes this artist has a bright future and emphasized that the multi-media approach in the exhibition has been executed so skillfully that it’s challenging to separate the photos, colors, and threads in the artworks.

Iranian filmmaker Dariush Mo’addabian also commented on Arjmand’s unique style, referring to it as “ethnography” rather than landscape photography. He noted that the frames, sometimes created by leaves or the arrangement of natural elements, provide viewers with a vivid sense of rural life.

Furthermore, sculptor Ghodratollah Agheli highlighted that this series creates a unique and impactful atmosphere through the use of multiple media and specific colorings. He regarded Arjmand’s perspective on rural life as distinctive and uniquely artistic.

Faces of the Untold, with Sanaz Arjmand’s delicate and unique vision, has become one of the prominent and inspiring collections in contemporary Iranian photography, gaining recognition internationally.