My research explores the representation of women and gender politics in contemporary Iranian cinema. I am interested in how the visual medium challenges systems of power, and how filmmaking specifically functions as a form of resistance in Iran. My work also considers the role and influence of Iranian cinema on the global stage. Beyond Iranian cinema, I am interested in diasporic and Middle Eastern cinema, women’s filmmaking, and representation of Muslims in film and media.

I am also dedicated to disseminating my research outside of academia. I have been a regular contributor to publications such as Muslim Girl and have written on the representation of Muslims in film and TV for The Conversation, UK.

In addition, I have worked with local cinemas in the UK to encourage a more diverse program. So far, my research and passion for cinema has taken her to Iran, Turkey, Japan, and the UK, where I have worked with young artists, filmmakers, and universities to encourage more diversity in films and film screenings.

List by: Type | Date

I welcome PhD applications in the following areas:

• Iranian Cinema

• Middle Eastern Cinema

• Women’s Filmmaking

• Diasporic Cinema

• Gender + Representation in Film and Media

• CUI, Yuekun
  Women Representation Directed by Female Directors: Sexuality, Independence and Marginal Women in the 21st Century Chinese Women's Cinema
• Ibrahim, Umloda
  Resistance within/of Sudanese Cinema

• History, Aesthetics, Genre (Level 2)
• Iranian Cinema (Honours)

Forthcoming publications

• Iranian Women Filmmakers: A Cinema of Resistance (monograph 2023), University of Edinburgh Press
• Co-editor of Special Issue: “Gender and Transnational Cinema in the Middle East and North Africa” in Transnational Screens

External Responsibilities

• Member of the International Editorial Board of Iranian Cinema
• Co-Founder of Thousand&One: a social enterprise supporting Women of Colour to thrive in their professional lives