Elika Hedayat is an Iranian-American director and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. Her work has been featured in festivals such as The Berlin International Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival and the Los Angeles Film Festival.
Elika grew up in the small town of Shiraz, Iran. She began her journey into filmmaking when she was just 11 years old. She was inspired by the work of legendary Iranian directors such as Abbas Kiarostami and Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Elika studied film and television at Shiraz University and later went on to attend the prestigious American Film Institute in Los Angeles.
Elika’s breakout film was the award-winning short, ‘The Burden’. This film was based on the classic Persian poem, ‘The Conference of the Birds’. It was recognized at the Berlin International Film Festival and was praised for its unique visual style and its exploration of the female experience.
Elika has since gone on to direct a number of feature films and documentaries. Her feature films include ‘Under the Shadow’, which was nominated for two BAFTA Awards, and ‘The Girl Who Fell from the Sky’, which was awarded the Grand Jury Award at the LA Film Festival. She has also directed television shows such as ‘The Family’ and ‘The Middle East’.
Elika’s work has been praised for its exploration of the complexities of modern life and the human experience. Her films often feature strong female characters who are searching for a sense of identity in a world that can be hostile and unaccepting. Elika’s work seeks to challenge and explore the boundaries of gender, race, and identity.
Elika Hedayat is an inspiring and talented filmmaker who has made a lasting impact on the world of filmmaking. Her unique and powerful stories have made her an important voice in contemporary cinema. Elika’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling and has been a source of inspiration to many aspiring filmmakers.
