Established in honour of Abdolreza Ansari, a founding trustee of the Foundation and a lifelong public servant, the Persia Ansari Scholarship for Human Rights and Public Service recognises exceptional Iranians enrolled in Master’s or Doctoral programmes focused on human rights or public service. The scholarship is awarded annually on 10 December, marking both Human Rights Day and the anniversary of Mr Ansari’s passing.

The scholarship is open to students of Iranian descent of any citizenship studying at accredited universities in the UK or internationally. Recipients are selected by an independent panel based on demonstrated academic achievement, commitment to public service, and future potential.

2025 Scholarship Recipient: Kimiya Shariati

Persia Educational Foundation is proud to announce Kimiya Shariati as the 2025 Ansari Scholarship awardee.

Shariati brings an exceptional interdisciplinary background in psychology and illustration, which she employs to explore and amplify the lived experiences of Iranian women. Her research challenges orientalist frameworks—and the internalisation of Western gazes among some Iranian artists—by highlighting Iranian women’s agency, complexity, and contributions.

Her work reveals nuanced stories often lost in translation, using the universal language of visual art to communicate emotion, resilience, and transformation. Through her illustrations, Shariati documents social change already underway in Iran, including evolving expressions of self-realisation and shifting attitudes toward women’s autonomy and public presence.

Shariati aims to pursue a career in research and academia following her PhD. Persia Educational Foundation welcomes her creativity and scholarship, and looks forward to her contributions to advancing women’s rights and representation.

Human Rights Day Scholarship Ceremony and Film Screening at SOAS

To mark the occasion, the Foundation hosted its annual event at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London. The evening opened with remarks from Professor Katayoun Shahandeh, followed by the formal presentation of the scholarship by Nazenin Ansari, founder and trustee of Persia Educational Foundation.

The programme also featured a special screening of In the Clouds, introduced by Dr. Tahirih Danesh. Directed by Iranian-British filmmaker Alexandra Bahiyyih Wain, the acclaimed short film offers a powerful portrayal of a young refugee girl resettling in London, capturing themes of trauma, displacement, and resilience through the imaginative lens of childhood.

The production team—including producer Daniel Panyko, DOP Jon Muschamp, editor Donya Majidi Maguire, and a talented cast of nine—approached the story with care and authenticity. The film has received numerous awards, including:

• Breaking Boundaries Grand Prize, Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival
• Best Director, Worcester Film Festival (BIFA-qualifying)
• Best New Director, UK Film Festival
• Best Family Drama, New Renaissance Film Festival
• Best Drama (Spirit of London Award), London Independent Film Festival
• Audience Award, Short Focus Film Festival

…and several additional festival selections across the UK.

About Alexandra Bahiyyih Wain

Wain is a writer and director whose work foregrounds marginalised communities and unconventional relationships. Drawing on her experience as a neurodivergent creative, she tells stories that challenge assumptions and highlight shared humanity. Her screenwriting achievements include awards at BAFTA- and Oscar-qualifying festivals, with multiple scripts optioned by leading UK and international production companies. She is a BAFTA Connect member and co-founder of the Micro Short Films initiative.