Maryam Khalilzadeh, is an Iranian illustrator and animation filmmaker currently based in Finland. She recently earned recognition as an alumna of Berlinale Talents 2024. She graduated from Re: Anima, a joint Master’s program in Animation held across three European universities: Luca School of Art in Genk, Belgium; Universidade Lusófona in Lisbon, Portugal; and Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland. Her academic achievements also include a BA in Graphic Design and an MA in Animation from the University of Art in Tehran.
Maryam’s experience extends across various roles in animated filmmaking, from directing and screenwriting to animation, concept and layout art, storyboarding, and background design. Her portfolio comprises seven short films, each of which has been showcased at esteemed film festivals like Annecy, Tricky Women, St. Louis, and San Diego Comic-Con. Throughout her films, she integrates poetic themes and narratives with her unique graphic style.
Last year, she taught as a guest lecturer at Aalto University, conducting a stop-motion workshop during the spring semester. In addition, last month in Helsinki, he held a stop-motion workshop for schools in Finland in collaboration with Lecture Without Borders.
Filmography
(2025) A Hot Bowl of Soup (in Development)
(2023-…) My Mother Became a Bird (in Development)
(2021) Up to the Sea, She Weaves a Dream
(2017) Butterfly
(2012) White Pigeon by the Mirror
(2010) The Woman Sings Under the Ice
(2009) Photo
(2006) Approximately