The pursuit of happiness
Batam, Indonesia
Artist Statement
These photographs were captured during my journeys across Iran and Indonesia while scouting locations for my feature films, The Desert Fish (Iran, 2012) and Journey (Indonesia, 2015). Each image is a portrait of young children from impoverished regions, whose faces reveal a delicate balance between hardship and hope.
In these moments, I sought to document not just their present circumstances, but the glimmers of happiness and the unspoken dreams that illuminate their eyes. These children, despite their challenging environments, radiate a resilience that inspires me as both a filmmaker and a visual artist. Their expressions, filled with untold stories, serve as a poignant reminder that even in the most difficult situations, there is an enduring light—a hope for a future yet to be written.
Through this series, I aim to share their silent narratives, inviting viewers to witness the beauty and strength of the human spirit in its most vulnerable form.
In these moments, I sought to document not just their present circumstances, but the glimmers of happiness and the unspoken dreams that illuminate their eyes. These children, despite their challenging environments, radiate a resilience that inspires me as both a filmmaker and a visual artist. Their expressions, filled with untold stories, serve as a poignant reminder that even in the most difficult situations, there is an enduring light—a hope for a future yet to be written.
Through this series, I aim to share their silent narratives, inviting viewers to witness the beauty and strength of the human spirit in its most vulnerable form.