From adversity to artistic triumph, Behzad Dabiri transforms hardship into art that inspires and empowers.
In the fast-paced streets of New York City, where the skyline stretches toward endless possibilities, one artist stands out—not because of his fame, but because of his resilience. Behzad Dabiri is an artist who has built his life from the ground up, turning every challenge he’s faced into the very foundation of his creativity. His story is not one of privilege, but of adversity, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to rewriting the narrative of his own life.
From childhood displacement to becoming a prominent figure in the worlds of acting, writing, and filmmaking, Behzad’s journey has been anything but conventional. His work is an expression of his own struggle for identity, belonging, and hope. It is raw, authentic, and above all, empowering. Whether through his books, films, or performances, Behzad’s art is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative force of storytelling.
A Childhood Shaped by Struggle
Behzad’s story begins in a place of hardship. As a child, he experienced displacement—moving between countries, cultures, and homes in search of stability. His early life was marked by the need to adapt to new environments, and the constant struggle of feeling like an outsider. But it was within this turmoil that Behzad discovered his gift for storytelling. It was his way of making sense of the chaos around him and finding comfort in the narrative of his own life.
By the time he was a teenager, Behzad had learned how to survive. He worked multiple jobs, learning the value of independence and perseverance. But beyond the physical work of surviving, he began to realize that the true work lay in understanding who he was—and telling his story.
“Stories have the power to transform. They have the ability to make sense of things that don’t always make sense,” Behzad reflects. It was this belief that would fuel his creative drive in the years to come.
The Journey to New York: A Dream Fueled by Determination
When Behzad arrived in the United States, he did so with nothing but his determination and his belief in the power of art. The journey was far from easy. He faced the struggles of an immigrant—navigating a new culture, language, and system. But Behzad was no stranger to adversity. He had already learned the art of adaptation, and it was this resilience that would propel him toward his dreams.
His love for storytelling led him to pursue acting. Behzad studied at The Theater Lab in Washington, D.C., and later continued his training at respected studios in New York City. It was in these classrooms that Behzad honed his craft—but it was life itself that taught him the most valuable lesson of all: the truth behind the stories.
“I realized that acting wasn’t just about playing a role—it was about being real, being vulnerable, and allowing the audience to feel something deep,” he says.
But as he immersed himself in acting, Behzad also began to realize something else: To tell the stories he wanted to share, he needed to write them. And so, he did.
The Writer’s Path: Foreigner International and Beyond
Behzad’s first major writing effort, Foreigner International, emerged from his own experiences with his migration and identity. But it wasn’t just about telling an immigrant’s story—it was about connecting with the universal human experience of belonging, searching for home, and finding one’s place in the world. Foreigner International is a deeply personal script waiting to be developed. Though rooted in one man’s journey, it speaks to the universal emotional truths of migration, creating a space where countless others can see their own stories reflected.
“Writing this story was like finding a voice I didn’t know I had,” says Behzad. “It wasn’t just about expressing my struggles—it was about creating something that could help others understand theirs.”
But Behzad didn’t stop at Foreigner International. After years of self-exploration and reflection, he released his memoir, Human Doing Human Being. The book dives into the themes of transformation and self-realization, encouraging readers to embrace their authentic selves and make conscious choices for growth.
The book’s success was immediate, and it struck a chord with people who were looking for more than just motivational advice—they were searching for genuine insight. Behzad’s memoir was not just about his own journey, but about how anyone can reclaim their story, their agency, and their power to change.
Dreamers: Turning Film into a Platform for Change
Behzad’s creative exploration didn’t stop with writing. With his experience as an actor, he ventured into filmmaking, bringing his storytelling vision to the big screen. His first short film, Dreamers, written, co-produced, and starring Behzad, tackled a deeply personal subject—the immigrant experience. The film centers on a couple in New York, awaiting the birth of their first child while being hunted by ICE agents. While the political backdrop of immigration is present, the story at its core is about hope, love, and the universal desire for safety.
Premiering at the New York Short Film Festival, Dreamers was celebrated for its heartfelt portrayal of the immigrant experience. It wasn’t just a film about immigration; it was a film about what it means to be human. Through his own performance, Behzad connected with the audience on a deeply emotional level, showing the raw vulnerability and courage of a couple fighting for a better future.
“We weren’t chasing a political narrative. We wanted to humanize these characters and remind people we’re all human.” Behzad explains.
Hope Still Lives Here: A Global Story of Resistance
After the success of Dreamers, Behzad set his sights on a new project—Hope Still Lives Here, a feature film inspired by the true story of Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, who was sentenced to death for his activism against the Iranian regime. The story, though rooted in politics, is ultimately about resilience, the fight for freedom, and the power of the human spirit to survive against all odds.
Behzad spent over two years researching the story, understanding the deep emotional and political layers that made Toomaj’s journey so compelling. It is a story about the people who fight for the oppressed, the women who risk their lives to support the cause, and the sacrifices made for a better world. Hope Still Lives Here is a project that transcends its immediate context and speaks to the universal need for freedom, justice and equality.
Street Chasers: Survival in the Urban Jungle
In addition to his seemingly political projects, Behzad is also developing Street Chasers, a gritty feature film exploring urban survival, justice, and corruption. The film focuses on the complex psychological and moral dilemmas faced by individuals living in the pressures of a city with deep social divisions. Unlike many films about urban life, Street Chasers does not rely on political labels but focuses on the emotional truths that come with survival in an often unforgiving world.
“Urban life is full of stories. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s complex. I want to explore the choices people make when they’re pushed to the edge,” Behzad says.
A Commitment to Authenticity: The Heart of Behzad’s Art
What sets Behzad apart from many other artists is his unwavering commitment to authenticity. His work is not about sensationalizing struggle or crafting stories for entertainment. It’s about telling the truth, however difficult it may be to face. Whether it’s in his writing, acting, or filmmaking, Behzad’s stories have one thing in common—they are rooted in emotional honesty.
“I don’t make art just to entertain people. I make art to make people think, to make them feel. I want my stories to create a connection that lasts long after the credits roll or the last page is turned,” he says.
Join the Journey: Rewriting the Story Together
Behzad Dabiri’s artistic journey is far from finished. With each new project, he continues to challenge himself and his audience, bringing stories to the forefront that are deeply human and universally impactful. For collaborators, producers, and investors who want to be a part of something meaningful, Behzad offers more than just a career—it’s an opportunity to be a part of a movement.
To follow his journey and see how his work is inspiring change, visit his Amazon author page. To stay connected with Behzad’s artistic vision, follow him on Instagram at Behzad Dabiri Official.
Behzad’s story is still unfolding. Those who join him now will not only be part of his artistic journey—they’ll be part of a global movement to rewrite the narrative and tell stories that matter.
