Biography
Pantea Modiri is a journalist, filmmaker, and artist whose multicultural journey has shaped her unique perspective on life and art. Her teenage years and youth were enriched by living across diverse cultures; from Turkey to the Netherlands, and later England, following her family's departure from Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This rich tapestry of cultural experiences would later influence her creative work and storytelling approach. Her path led her to University of Amsterdam and later at Queen Mary University in the UK, followed by work at Amnesty International before pioneering Persian-language broadcasting in Amsterdam, marking the beginning of a remarkable media career.
To millions of Iranians, Pantea is more than just a journalist. She's a trusted storyteller who brought their nation's vibrant history to life through her acclaimed show "Time Tunnel" on Manoto TV. For eight years, she captivated audiences by unveiling archive footage of 1960s and 1970s Iran, helping a new generation discover their country's pre-revolutionary era. Young viewers often credit her with revealing a hidden chapter of Iranian history they had never known.
Throughout her career, Pantea has crafted numerous documentaries, live television programs, and artistic works, expressing her creativity across multiple mediums. Her latest documentary, "In the Eye of Freedom," stands as perhaps her most powerful work. This moving film follows seven young women and men who joined the Woman, Life, Freedom protests of 2022, paying a devastating physical toll for their courage. Rather than dwelling in darkness, the film celebrates their unbreakable spirit.
As an artist and advocate, Pantea has consistently championed human rights, civil liberties, and the celebration of diversity through her various creative endeavors. Her artistic vision emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy, religious freedom, and the right to self-expression. While tackling profound themes of sacrifice and resistance, her work ultimately soars as a testament to human resilience and the enduring power of hope.
