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My work explores identity, displacement, and the quiet struggles of individuals caught between cultures, genders, and personal expectations. I am drawn to stories of longing, unspoken emotions, and the fragile balance between tradition and self-discovery. Through intimate realism and poetic visuals, I seek to capture the isolation, resilience, and beauty of those living on the margins.
Country: Germany
Khashayar (Khashi) Khalili – Director, Writer, and Photographer Khashayar Khalili, known professionally as Khashi, is a Berlin-based filmmaker, writer, and photographer whose work navigates the intersections of identity, migration, and personal storytelling. Born in 1998, Khashi grew up between Iran and Germany, an experience that shaped his deep fascination with cinematic storytelling as a means of exploring social and cultural complexities. After completing his secondary education at the Deutsche Schule in Tehran and later at Geschwister Scholl Schule in Bensheim, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Directing at Hochschule Darmstadt (H_da). Further honing his craft, he studied at MTU Cork, Ireland, expanding his international perspective on filmmaking. His education culminated in a collaborative project with Filmaka Ludwigsburg, where he developed Darune Man, a film delving into trans identities between Berlin and Iran. Khashi’s work spans fiction, documentary, and commercial filmmaking. His short films Darune Man (2022-2024) and The Window and I (2024) have received regional and national funding, touring the international festival circuit. He co-directed and served as creative director for Freiheit im Herzen (2024), a 90-minute documentary on the Iranian women-led revolution, which won the Audience Award at Filmfest Hamburg. Beyond narrative film, Khashi has built an extensive commercial portfolio, directing campaigns for UGG, Sol de Janeiro, and Google Pixel x DFB, and working as an Assistant Director on major productions. His photography work spans concert tours, festivals, and commercial branding, collaborating with artists and global brands. With a passion for human-centered storytelling, Khashi's films seek to capture the tensions of cultural displacement, personal transformation, and resilience. His commitment to authenticity and cinematic expression drives his pursuit of meaningful narratives that challenge perspectives and evoke emotional resonance. Currently, Khashi is developing his feature film about his sister, a deeply personal project that explores their relationship and themes of reconciliation. The film has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from Cannes, marking an exciting step in his journey toward feature-length storytelling. 📍 Based in Berlin & Frankfurt 🌐 Portfolio & Work 📷 Instagram: @khashide 🎬 IMDb: Khashayar Khalili
Nazanin (49) hides an identity struggle in her Iranian home. When daughter Mahta (24) visits,...
