Maziar Lorestani

Maziar Lorestani (born October 18, 1966, Tehran) is an Iranian director and film, television, and stage actor.

Early life and education
Lorestani was born in Tehran. His father was a judge, and his mother was a teacher. The two were initially unsupportive of Lorestani's desire to pursue theatre as a career, but came to support him after seeing his theatre projects.

Lorestani graduated from Islamic Azad University, where he studied music. The performance of his thesis show, Matori, was cancelled, due to the show containing dance.

Career
In 2021, Lorestani organized the digital "coo.coo 19" festival, which exhibited creative works created by children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acting
Lorestani began acting in the 1980s under the name Shohreh Lorestani. He debuted in the 1987 film Goldooneh Khanom. He began acting in television series in 1990.

Directing
By 2013, Lorestani was working on a documentary for the United Nations on children's education in rural Iranian villages.

In 2014, Lorestani produced and directed the children's television series Adventures of Aunt Dena and Sheplek (ماجراهای خاله دنا و شپلک). The 26-episode series had the character of Aunt Dena introducing children to various animals.

Theatre
As of 2013, Lorestani had directed 17 theatrical productions.

In 2015, Lorestani directed a production of Pinnochia at Tehran's Iranshahr Theatre Hall.

In September 2023, Lorestani directed a production of Waiting for Godot at Charsu Hall of Tehran's City Theater Complex. The play planned to run until October 22.

Personal life
In 2022, Lorestani came out as a transgender man and announced he would be going by the first name Maziar.