Forugh Farrokhzad

Iranian poet and filmmaker who challenged traditional gender roles through her work

Forugh Farrokhzad (1935-1967) was a revolutionary Iranian poet and filmmaker whose candid exploration of female identity shattered cultural taboos. Her 1955 poetry collection 《The Captive》 broke societal norms by addressing themes like female sexuality and domestic oppression. The work was banned in Iran until 1962, reflecting its controversial impact. Farrokhzad's 1962 documentary film 《The House is Black》 brought international acclaim, exposing the plight of leprosy patients in Tabriz.

Her 1964 collection 《Seeing》 marked a shift toward more introspective poetry, while her 1965 play 《The Wall》 criticized patriarchal structures. Despite marrying a conservative cleric, Farrokhzad maintained her artistic independence, often facing censorship and public condemnation. Her untimely death at 32 in a car accident cemented her mythic status.

Today, her works are studied globally. The Poetry Foundation features her translated poems, while the IMDb page for 'The House is Black' shows its enduring influence. For deeper insights, read 《The Captive》 translations available at Amazon.