Salem Salavati is a Kurdish filmmaker, cinematographer, and producer from Kurdistan-Iran, recognized as one of the established voices of Kurdish and Iranian independent cinema through a long artistic journey spanning directing, cinematography, feature filmmaking, and visual storytelling rooted in realism and human experience.

Born in Sanandaj in 1975, Salavati developed his relationship with cinema and photography at an early stage before studying filmmaking and cinematography at the Iranian Youth Cinema Association, one of the most influential spaces for independent Iranian cinema. He later became a permanent member of the Iranian Short Film Association and Iran’s Cinema House, participating for many years in selection and jury committees at film festivals inside and outside Iran.

His cinematic work moves between feature films, short fiction, documentary filmmaking, and cinematography. Over the years, he directed and produced several feature films, including:

• The Last Winter
• Going Time
• At Dawn

In addition to directing more than 12 short fiction films and three documentary series, he also worked as cinematographer on several feature films and more than 30 short films.

His artistic language is deeply connected to realism, visual contemplation, and the human condition, often focusing on Kurdish memory, natural landscapes, and emotionally restrained storytelling built around image and atmosphere rather than direct rhetoric.

Throughout his career, Salavati participated in more than 250 national and international film festivals and received over 90 awards in directing, cinematography, screenwriting, and Best Film categories, establishing his name within the history of Kurdish and Iranian independent cinema.

He also served as jury member and selection committee member at several international festivals, including:

• Macau International Film Festival – China
• Duhok International Film Festival

alongside numerous Iranian festivals dedicated to short and independent cinema.

At the 4th edition of the Kobani International Film Festival 2023, Salem Salavati participated as a member of the Narrative Films Selection Committee, bringing a cinematic perspective shaped by Kurdish visual storytelling and decades of independent filmmaking experience.