I Am Irani

Beyond appearance, a photographer confronts exile, identity, and distorted perceptions of Iran

I Am Irani is a documentary film rooted in the personal life of Farhad Irani, a well known Iranian photographer born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects facial development. Throughout his life, Farhad has faced rejection and mistreatment due to his appearance, yet his determination, resilience, and creative vision have allowed him to rise beyond these limitations. Together with his wife Mahsa, he decides to leave Iran after confronting social and personal difficulties that make staying increasingly untenable.

The film blends intimate biography with a broader social inquiry. While tracing Farhad’s journey as an artist and migrant, the documentary filmmaker questions young and middle aged people across several European countries and Canada about their perceptions of Iran. Their responses reveal a narrow and often inaccurate understanding shaped largely by media representations. This gap between perception and reality becomes central to the film’s perspective.

The narrative then follows Ehsan, a young man of Iranian origin living in Canada, who is confronted with these same questions. Seeking answers, he travels to Iran, photographing the country and encountering its cultural and historical landscapes, including cities such as Shiraz and Isfahan. Through this journey, he discovers a more complex and human reality that contrasts sharply with the images he had absorbed from afar. Upon returning to Canada, Ehsan shares his experiences with his friends, prompting a reassessment of their views and exposing the profound influence of media on collective imagination.

Mentioned once for clarity and context, I Am Irani connects personal struggle, disability, migration, and representation, offering a layered reflection on identity, dignity, and the cost of misunderstanding.