Aboutدرباره

My name is Behnam Najmoddin, and Zurvani is my artistic name. My professional work is centered on cinema and filmmaking, while writing and research remain an integral part of my creative practice. I was born in Semnan, Iran. My education in cinema has been shaped through both hands‑on experience in the field and formal academic study at university, allowing me to develop both practical and theoretical perspectives on filmmaking.

Since the beginning of my career, I have been particularly interested in storytelling, documentary filmmaking, and exploring different forms of cinematic expression. To me, every film is an opportunity to observe, ask questions, and discover something new—a way of engaging with people, culture, and the world through the language of moving images.

Alongside developing my own independent work, I have collaborated with Iranian and international filmmakers on documentary and fiction productions. These experiences have given me a practical understanding of the filmmaking process and have shaped the way I approach cinema as both an artistic and collaborative practice.

In addition to filmmaking, I lead the Independent Filmmakers Institute and serve as Editor‑in‑Chief of Natamam Cultural & Arts Magazine. I also teach cinema at universities, film schools, and the Iranian Youth Cinema Society, where I see teaching as an ongoing dialogue with the next generation of filmmakers.