"Iranian fathers and daughters": a photo series that refutes stereotypes

"Iranian Fathers and Daughters" is a photo project by Nafisa Motlak, who entered the homes of Iranian families and captured a variety of young women and their fathers. Her own relationship with her father changed when he fell into a coma while she was living in Malaysia. Nafise says that after her father recovered, they became close, and then it occurred to her to make this photo series.

Motlak decided to make the project simple: she met the characters through relatives and friends and photographed them at home, accompanying each frame with the words of her daughters about their fathers.

The heroes of the project come from different backgrounds and belong in many ways to different cultures. Some families are religious, others adhere to secular beliefs. Motlak says that the project helped her to get rid of a lot of fears and prejudices herself. "The project shows how different we all are," says the photographer.

Zahra's father is unemployed. "I do not know what to say about him."

Shima and Lina's father is a civil projects manager. "Our father studied in Europe, so he gives us such freedom."

Mahsa's father is a veteran. "My father is my hero, but I would like him to become the carefree happy person he was before."

Fatme's father is a farmer. "He works very hard."

Fatmeh's father is a librarian at the mosque. "People think that because my father is religious, he doesn't give me freedom. That's not so. He allowed me to attend the national book fair when I was 15 years old."

Shadi's father is a businessman. "He's a stubborn boy at heart. It's not that easy with him."

Katayun's father is a retired military man. "My friends think he worries too much about me, but he's actually very supportive of me."

Nyusha's father is an engineer. "He works five days a week. We usually spend time together on weekends."

Fatme's father is an official. "He is a good father. I don't know what to add."

Arezu's father sells carpets. "He's very funny. He makes people laugh with his jokes."