About John

John OutsiderJohn was born in 1982 in Iran, during a period of war and political upheaval. From birth, he was immersed in a society where religious and ideological narratives shaped every aspect of life. Growing up in post-revolution Iran, he witnessed a nation rapidly transforming under the influence of rigid Islamic laws and authoritarian rule. These early experiences instilled in him both a deep awareness of social constructs and an innate desire to challenge the norms imposed upon him.

Despite his natural inclination toward literature and storytelling, John pursued a formal education in mathematics, physics, and later, electronics and power engineering—fields deemed more practical for securing stable employment. However, his true passion for writing never waned. Even during his years of study, he found himself drawn to literature, spending his free time devouring books, writing short stories, and observing the contradictions of the world around him. He felt the pressure of conforming to a system that dictated his path, yet he resisted in subtle ways—by writing, questioning, and dreaming of a different life.

As part of his mandatory military service, he was assigned to the police force, where he encountered the stark realities of law enforcement under an oppressive regime. These experiences further fueled his critical perspective on authority, freedom, and human rights. He saw firsthand how the law was enforced not to protect people, but to control them. This deepened his sense of alienation and his longing to escape.

John continues to write, pushing boundaries in literature and comedy. His works remains a testament to his journey, his relentless pursuit of trust, freedom, and the power of storytelling.

In 2011, John made a daring escape from Iran, seeking refuge in Hong Kong. However, upon arrival, he was arrested for illegal entry and imprisoned. It was during this time behind bars that he penned his first book, *Escape to Prison*, marking the beginning of his journey as a writer. Since then, he has devoted himself to literature, using his unique perspective to craft compelling stories, poems, and scripts that challenge societal norms and explore themes of identity, freedom, and power. His time in prison became a defining moment—an experience that solidified his belief in the power of words. Writing became his weapon, his refuge, and his way of reclaiming his narrative.

Although he initially explored Christianity upon arriving in Hong Kong, his deeper understanding of religious institutions led him to abandon formal religious affiliations. Having been exposed to various belief systems, legal frameworks, cultural dynamics, and the complexities of migration, John developed a distinct worldview that deeply influences his literary work and stand-up comedy performances. He approaches storytelling with a sense of urgency, knowing that his voice carries the weight of experiences that many cannot freely express.

About John

Overhead shot of John

John is a writer, filmmaker, poet, and stand-up comedian whose work delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the power structures that shape our world. Born in Iran during a time of political upheaval, he grew up in a society that dictated his beliefs and choices. However, his passion for storytelling and relentless curiosity led him to question everything. 

John continues to write, pushing boundaries in literature and comedy. His works remains a testament to his journey, his relentless pursuit of trust, freedom, and the power of storytelling.

After seeking asylum and experiencing life in exile, he turned his journey into stories—through books that challenge perspectives, films that bring hidden truths to light, and stand-up performances that transform pain into humor. With every word, every scene, and every joke, he aims to provoke thought, spark conversation, and give a voice to the unheard.

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