Iranian Actress Golshifteh Farahani : On Belonging, Resistance And Exile

Content Note: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence and suicide. Please take care while listening.


In this powerful episode of the Harvest Series Podcast, host Rose Claverie sits down with Golshifteh Farahani, an Iranian actress and activist who has fought for freedom, creativity, and the rights of women in her home country. Having lived through political exile and experienced the pain of being a refugee, our guest shares her personal journey of courage, survival, and transformation. From escaping Iran to becoming a symbol of resistance in the Western world, she reflects on the internal struggles that shaped her path.

As she discusses her personal experiences with the trauma of exile, the weight of societal expectations, and the rebellion against oppressive regimes, she also dives deep into the question of what it truly means to be free. This conversation is a profound exploration of the human spirit’s resilience. What does courage mean to you in the face of overwhelming fear?

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IMPORTANT NOTE: This episode was recorded in May 2025, prior to the recent events in Iran. Our thoughts are with all those affected.

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Chapters:
00:00:00 – Introduction: What does freedom mean?
00:01:02 – From exile to courage: An unexpected journey
00:02:30 – Defying the odds: A conversation with a stranger
00:04:27 – The meaning of courage: Fear, purpose, and non-action
00:05:59 – Reflecting on childhood trauma and survival instincts
00:08:01 – The courage to stop running and heal
00:09:02 – Is suicide an act of courage? A deep reflection
00:13:51 – Breaking free from expectations: Saying 'no' as an act of courage
00:17:07 – The role of art in shaping society and personal truth
00:22:07 – The weight of history: Iran's struggles with freedom and independence