Mahsa born in Iran, where she began working with analog photography during high school and went on to study directing. After 15 years of professional experience in film and photography, she moved to Weimar for further education. In 2022, she successfully completed her studies in Visual Communication at the Bauhaus University. Since 2018, she has been actively involved in organizing international film and art projects. In 2021, she founded the Return International Film Festival in Weimar.

Christian, born in Thuringia, earned his Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Bauhaus University Weimar. As a screenwriter and debuting director with several award-winning short films, he is passionate about cinema and frequently shares his enthusiasm for the unique qualities of anamorphic lenses.

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I moved to Weimar in 2014. I studied computer engineering in Iran, but my passion for art has been with me since childhood. I have always been involved with different forms of art.

Since 2018, I have found my place in the real art world in the Hofatelier. There I was able to further develop my ideas, develop my creativity and deepen my artistic language.

Derya Alkan is part of the organizational team of the Return International Art Festival, supporting the festival's administration and coordination.

With Kurdish-Turkish roots, she is passionate about cultural exchange, diversity, and creating spaces for meaningful encounters. She believes that art and film can connect people and inspire new perspectives.

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