Amir Zoveini
Filmmaker · Producer · Writer · Critic
Independent Iranian Filmmaker
Amir Zoveini is an Iranian filmmaker, producer, writer, and critic whose work spans documentary, fiction, television, and digital media. Educated in the United States, he earned a B.A. in Film and Media Studies from the University of California, Irvine, followed by an MBA and an MFA in Film and Television Producing from Chapman University.
After working in media production and entrepreneurship in California, he returned to Iran to pursue independent filmmaking. His projects include the award-winning documentary Mini Goal Kings: From the Streets to the World Cup, short fiction films, television productions, and feature film development. Alongside filmmaking, he has contributed to leading Iranian film publications as a critic and translator.
On Storytelling
I work across fiction, documentary, and television, with storytelling at the center of my practice. I believe cinema and television are, above all, forms of entertainment, and that every story must first engage its audience. Attention is earned through clear narrative movement, rhythm, and structure.
Working independently in Iran, I see creative limitations not as obstacles but as part of the form — conditions that demand precision, economy, and narrative clarity. I am drawn to characters navigating systems they did not create, and to stories where realism intersects with constructed narrative or genre elements. My work aims to remain locally grounded while being accessible to international audiences through strong, watchable storytelling.
Career Timeline
Education in the United States
B.A. Film Studies with a minor in Digital Media Arts, University of California, Irvine. MBA and MFA in Film and Television Producing, Chapman University.
Entrepreneurship and Early Productions
Founded OC Media Solutions. Directed a documentary acquired by the BBC. Developed a pilot for a narrative miniseries.
Independent Filmmaking in Iran
Directed Mini Goal Kings, the award-winning feature documentary. Produced a short fiction film. Developed a proof-of-concept for a feature psychological thriller.
Academic Background
University of California, Irvine
B.A. Film and Media Studies
Minor: Digital Media Arts
Chapman University
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film and Television Producing
Areas of Work
- Film Directing
- Producing
- Documentary Filmmaking
- Feature Development
- Television Production
- Screenwriting
- Film Criticism
- Translation
- Digital Media Strategy