Caveh Zahedi

Caveh Zahedi is a Professor of Film and Video at The European Graduate School / EGS. Born in 1960, he is an American film director and actor of Iranian descent known for experimental and documentary films exploring personal and sociocultural themes. His notable works include I Am a Sex Addict (2005), In the Bathtub of the World (2001), and The Sheik and I (2012).

He studied philosophy at Yale University, later pivoting to filmmaking. His career includes collaborations like A Little Stiff (1991) with Greg Watkins, which gained Sundance recognition. Despite early setbacks in France, his films have garnered critical acclaim and cult followings, including a Rotterdam Film Festival Critics’ Award for I Don’t Hate Las Vegas Anymore (1995).

Zahedi’s work often blends personal narrative with provocative cultural commentary. His films address themes like addiction, identity, and political satire, such as his banned The Sheik and I, which critiqued Middle Eastern authoritarianism. A self-reflexive approach defines The Show About the Show TV series (2015) and its film adaptation (2017).

• Awards: Rotterdam Film Festival Critics’ Award (1995)
• Grants: French government grant for a Stephane Mallarme film project (1990s)

His career trajectory reflects resilience through academic teaching, experimental filmmaking, and navigating global cultural landscapes.