Setareh Samandari
- Visual Effects
- Producer
- Director
Setareh Samandari is a dynamic writer, director, producer, and Associate VFX Supervisor with a rich and diverse background in film, visual effects, and activism. She holds a Master of Arts in Political Science and has previously contributed to human rights initiatives through the Baha'i Faith's External Affairs in Los Angeles. Setareh earned her PhD in Film and Philosophy and received training at the renowned Gnomon School of Visual Effects.
In 2021, she directed and produced the visuals for the music video "Breathe Free," utilizing LED screens and virtual production techniques with real-time rendering to address themes of freedom and women's rights. Additionally, she served as Executive Producer and Associate VFX Supervisor for Forbidden University, where she played a key role in shaping the film's vision. Setareh launched her series Virtues Basket in 2020 and contributed visual effects to Jack Lenz's Here Comes Love, emphasizing the Black Lives Matter movement. Her creative portfolio also includes directing and producing visual effects for three full CG music videos inspired by the Garden of Ridvan, collaborating with artists such as Jack Lenz.
In her recent projects, she took on the roles of VFX Producer for Ice and the Bottom of the Sea. She has also delivered visual effects for films such as Glimpses, Exemplar, Dark Asset (2022), Vertical, and The Apple Tree (2024). Setareh directed Limit Exceeded (2026) based on her PhD. Passionate about exploring the creative possibilities at the intersection of visual effects, AI, and storytelling, Setareh continuously seeks to innovate and inspire through her work.
In 2021, she directed and produced the visuals for the music video "Breathe Free," utilizing LED screens and virtual production techniques with real-time rendering to address themes of freedom and women's rights. Additionally, she served as Executive Producer and Associate VFX Supervisor for Forbidden University, where she played a key role in shaping the film's vision. Setareh launched her series Virtues Basket in 2020 and contributed visual effects to Jack Lenz's Here Comes Love, emphasizing the Black Lives Matter movement. Her creative portfolio also includes directing and producing visual effects for three full CG music videos inspired by the Garden of Ridvan, collaborating with artists such as Jack Lenz.
In her recent projects, she took on the roles of VFX Producer for Ice and the Bottom of the Sea. She has also delivered visual effects for films such as Glimpses, Exemplar, Dark Asset (2022), Vertical, and The Apple Tree (2024). Setareh directed Limit Exceeded (2026) based on her PhD. Passionate about exploring the creative possibilities at the intersection of visual effects, AI, and storytelling, Setareh continuously seeks to innovate and inspire through her work.
