These photographs were captured during my journeys across Iran and Indonesia while scouting locations for my feature films, The Desert Fish (Iran, 2012) and Journey (Indonesia, 2015). Each image is a portrait of young children from impoverished regions, whose faces reveal a delicate balance between hardship and hope.

In these moments, I sought to document not just their present circumstances, but the glimmers of happiness and the unspoken dreams that illuminate their eyes. These children, despite their challenging environments, radiate a resilience that inspires me as both a filmmaker and a visual artist. Their expressions, filled with untold stories, serve as a poignant reminder that even in the most difficult situations, there is an enduring light—a hope for a future yet to be written.

Through this series, I aim to share their silent narratives, inviting viewers to witness the beauty and strength of the human spirit in its most vulnerable form.