Halle Handji

Halle is a British-Persian film director, producer and actress. Halle was six years old when her innocent imagination was captured by the big screen; she was introduced to the film industry and got her first acting role in Persian cinema. Her uncle was looking for a child to play a school character in his film, and Halle comfortably fitted into the role and instantly fell in love with this industry. Throughout her childhood she was frequently asked about her passion and her future dreams. She would always declare that her 'will and dream' was to become a queen or a film star. As the only child of separated parents, she formed a strong loving bond with her mother. On many occasions, her mother performed the role of both parents, and shared both happiness and the pain of her child's experiences. Halle had always been a positive, understanding and a strong child, and for that reason she has become not only an intellectual who can look into horizon and see what many others cannot, but also a caring individual who can share her love in a truly empathetic manner with people in their time of distress. Halle grew up in Wales, Cardiff (UK) where she flourished in traditional art, sport, dance, and music. She made it to the final of Googoosh Music Academy talent competition, which in Iran alone was seen by a million viewers as well as making it to the final round of Miss Wales 2008 and Miss Iran 2004, whilst also excelling at many sports competitively for her University beside her acting career. Moreover, Halle was also recognised for her outstanding performance at college when she was awarded 'Best student of the Year' in 2004, for her excellence in both Art and Academic pursuits. Halle's academic interests were brought into focus again when she had to choose what to study at university. She was asked by her personal tutor whether she wanted to study Psychology and help people or go to drama school and continue her creative work; she said "both". In 2007, Halle completed a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree in Cardiff and started writing stories and helping people with therapy sessions and extensive charity work; she simultaneously completed her acting courses at Sylvia Young school of London and workshops provided at Welsh College of Music and Drama. During these years she discovered more creativity in herself, which later inspired her to take up an MA Film course in 2009 at The University of Wales, Newport, further driving ambition to direct! Halle's first written film was the 2011 drama adventure short film "The Key", which she wrote, directed, art-directed and produced for her final MA project. In 2013, Halle landed her first leading role in the UK, and assisted both the producer and the director in the making of the film titled 'The Edit'. Halle continued to act and direct multiple projects including a British Victorian period drama Hedda Gabler's second unit in 2014, as well as working on other international projects at the same time. Film has always held a special place in Halle's heart, and she regards her role as a director equally important as all of the others coveted and dreamed about as a child.