Hila Sedighi (b. 1985, Tehran) is an acclaimed Iranian poet, painter, cultural curator, and human rights activist. She began publishing poetry as a teenager and soon became recognized for her lyrical, socially conscious voice. Alongside her literary career, she pursued law and co-founded several cultural NGOs in Iran, earning the Hellman/Hammett Award from Human Rights Watch (2012) for her advocacy work

In 2012, Hila relocated to Dubai, where she founded Mehromah Arthouse, a multidisciplinary cultural hub that hosts theater, music, exhibitions, and poetry gatherings. Under her leadership, Mehromah has also become a production house for original theater, music, and short films, extending its influence internationally through performances in London and beyond

She is also the founder of the Mehr Festival, launched in 2024, which celebrates Iranian and regional arts across film, photography, music, and performance. Her artistic vision blends Persian tradition with contemporary expression, positioning her as a bridge between Eastern and Western art communities

Her creative output spans poetry, visual art, and film most notably her directorial debut Shivātir (2018), based on the legend of Arash the Archer, and her poetry album Hengām-e Tolou (Time of Sunrise, 2021). Today, she continues to amplify diverse artistic voices, advocate for freedom of expression, and champion independent cultural production on a global scale