“Forbidden Birth” is a poignant short film born from the shared experience of Nastaran and her husband Sohrab. Expecting their first child, they were deeply affected when they discovered the alarming statistics of 350K-600K annual illegal abortions in Iran, with one in ten resulting in tragic deaths of the mother.

As a writer-director, Sohrab takes charge of the screenplay and direction, while Nastaran assumes the role of producer and lead actor in this project. Together, they embarked on “Forbidden Birth,” a powerful film that addresses the heart-wrenching reality of pregnancy outside of marriage in an Islamic country like Iran. The film delves into the profound complexities of love and friendship – the deep affection between a woman and the fetus she wishes to protect, and the unwavering support of her friends who strive to safeguard the mother.

Set against the backdrop of a society where abortion or forced marriage, including honour killing, are considered the norm for pregnancies outside of wedlock, “Forbidden Birth” strives to illuminate the profound impact of religion on women’s lives in Iran.

Produced underground, concealed from the moral police in Iran, “Forbidden Birth” has garnered numerous awards, including accolades for outstanding ensemble acting and recognition as the best international women’s rights film, among other prestigious honours.

Through their inspiring collaboration, Sohrab and Nastaran have crafted a compelling narrative that deeply resonates with audiences, igniting crucial discussions about the adversities women face and the remarkable resilience they exhibit.