Director Mahnaz Mohammadi to attend "Roya" screening at Bucharest International Film Festival

Mahnaz Mohammadi will attend the Bucharest International Film Festival on September 25 to present her film "Roya," inspired by her own detention experience. The film depicts an Iranian teacher's struggle with political imprisonment and the choice between a coerced confession and isolation. Filmed clandestinely, it reflects Mohammadi's personal challenges in filmmaking under restrictions. The film is part of the Panorama section at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival and will compete at BIFF 2026. Mohammadi, a prominent Iranian filmmaker and women's rights activist, has faced significant obstacles in her career, including arrests and a decade-long passport denial. The festival runs from September 18 to 27, showcasing auteur films and fostering dialogue between filmmakers and audiences.