Sahar Zand

A multimedia reporter and filmmaker with extensive experience in long-form current affairs and documentaries, Sahar Zand has fronted and produced a range of award-winning stories from across the world, for the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Vice, and a number of other international broadcasters. Her investigative prowess is evident in her documentary "Britain's Virginity Clinics" for ITV Exposure, which was nominated for multiple accolades, including the Royal Television Society Programme Awards and a BAFTA.

Much of Zand’s work has often been conducted in hostile environments, with a special focus on under-reported human-interest stories. She strives for high-impact storytelling and has reported on a diverse range of topics from conflict and human rights abuses, to gender and mental health issues. Her report "The Moroccan warrior women beating men at their own games" was recognized as one of the best reports by BBC in 2016, highlighting her distinctive storytelling capability.

Zand was born in Iran and lived the first 12 years of her life there, before escaping the country with her family to avoid political persecution. After enduring a challenging journey through various refugee camps across Europe, she eventually settled in the UK. This background has profoundly influenced her reporting perspective, particularly her focus on marginalized communities and her advocacy for mental health support, as explored in her documentaries about PTSD and other mental health issues in conflict zones. Her radio documentary ‘Me, the Refugee’ provides an intimate insight into her personal experiences and her unique reporting angle.

Zand's prominence as a creative and impactful journalist of the digital age has led her to regularly give keynote speeches and participate in panel discussions on global issues of conflict and human rights. She has been a speaker at events like TEDxLondonWomen and Club Frontline, discussing topics ranging from women's rights in Iran to the effects of investigative journalism on law changes. Additionally, Zand serves as a patron for the Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation, further showcasing her commitment to advocacy and human rights. Her work and her voice have been featured in international news publications such as The Times, Financial Times, The Spectator, Huffington Post, and NPR, making her a sought-after speaker and an authoritative figure in journalism and documentary filmmaking.