Panthea Bahram and Mehtab Nasirpour Defy Hijab Laws at Mehr Dubai Art Festival

Panthea Bahram: An Artist and Activist

Another influential figure at the Mehr Dubai Art Festival is Panthea Bahram, an Iranian actress born on March 13, 1969. Bahram has been a fixture in Iranian cinema and theater, winning several prestigious awards, including the Crystal Simorgh Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Bachahi Abdi (2006). With a career spanning over three decades, Bahram has not only been a celebrated artist but also a vocal advocate for women’s rights.

Bahram’s activism became widely visible when she posted a photo of herself without a hijab on her social media, aligning with the Women, Life, Freedom movement. The post, which included hashtags related to the movement, quickly gained attention, as did her subsequent public appearances without the mandatory hijab. In defiance of Iran’s restrictive laws, Bahram attended public events like the screening of the final episode of the Lion’s Skin series and the funeral of Reza Haddad without the hijab, standing in solidarity with women who have been protesting for their freedom of choice.

Bahram’s actions are a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by Iranian women, who are often subject to strict dress codes and societal expectations. By choosing to appear at the Dubai festival without a hijab, Bahram is not only making a personal statement but also supporting the broader movement for women’s rights in Iran. Her decision to participate in the Mehr Art Festival signals her commitment to using her platform to speak out against oppression and support those who are fighting for change.

October 12, 2024 | 11:03 pm