Mahdokht Molaei
Iranian actress, film director, producer (born 1990)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mahdokht Molaei (Persian: مهدخت مولایی; born April 21, 1990) is an Iranian actress, film director, and producer.[1] She is known for her work in independent and international cinema, with notable roles in Botax (2020), Lily’s Turn (2022), and The Castle (2018).[2] Molaei has been recognized at several international film festivals.
Mahdokht Molaei | |
|---|---|
| مهدخت مولایی | |
 Mahdokht Molaei at the 2020 Fajr Film Festival | |
| Born | April 21, 1990 |
| Alma mater | Emerson College |
| Occupations | Actress, director, producer |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Notable work | Botox (2020) |
| Website | mahdokhtmolaei |
Early life and education
Molaei was born in Tehran, Iran, on April 21, 1990. She began her artistic career in 2010 and has since established herself in various aspects of filmmaking including acting, directing, and producing.[3] In addition to her work in film, she serves as a mentor at Maajara Film School[4] and is a recipient of Emerson College's Presidential Fellowship.[5] She is pursuing an MFA degree in filmmaking at Emerson College.
Career
Molaei's directorial debut, They Are Looking at Us (2016), received an Honorary Diploma from Pasargad Bank 180 second film festival.[6] Her performance in Botax earned her nominations at the Shanghai International Film Festival,[7] and the Nice International Film Festival.
She has participated in numerous national and international productions, often portraying complex female characters. Her recent film, Homa, has been screened at international festivals including IAWRT India.[8]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | They Are Looking at Us | — | Director and producer |
| 2016 | Inadaptable | Sara | |
| 2016 | Duet | Shahrzad | |
| 2016 | Daughter | Pouneh | |
| 2017 | Villa Dwellers | Nadereh | |
| 2018 | Black Eared | Mahtab | Co-producer and co-writer |
| 2020 | Botox | Azar | [7] |
| 2020 | Killer Spider | Victim | |
| 2022 | Lily’s Turn | Termeh | |
| 2022 | Polaroid | Sepideh | |
| 2023 | The Black Sheep | Maryam | |
| 2024 | Sina | — | Co-director and lead role |
| 2025 | Remove Before Use | Mahya |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Quiet Assassination | Nava | IRIB TV1 |
| 2023 | Shahbaz | Najva | IRIB TV1 |
Awards and recognition
- 2020 – Winner – Best Actress, The Castle, BIMIFF[9]
- 2021 – Nominee – Best Actress, Botox, Shanghai International Film Festival[7]
- 2024 – Honorary Diploma – Best Actress, Inherited, Nahal Short Film Festival, Iran
- 2023 – Nominee – Best Actress, Polaroid, Omid International Film Festival
- 2025 – Nominee – Best Actress, The Last Whinny…, Open Air Film Festival