Mirtahmasb, a talented individual, was born in Kerman, Iran in 1971. He began his academic journey at the University of Art "Mojtame'-e Daneshgahiyeh Honar" in Tehran, where he studied Visual Art and Handicrafts from 1992 to 1995. During his time at school, he developed a strong interest in Shiite Rituals and Ceremonies, while also exploring his passion for photography and filmmaking.
After completing his education, Mirtahmasb went on to direct nine documentaries between 1996 and 1997, focusing on the Islamic Art and Material Culture of Iranian Shiism. His films showcased various traditional crafts, including calico making, glazing, enamel work, Islamic tile work, and Islamic needle work. Additionally, he directed three short videos during his military service, titled The Story of Khoramshahr, Motherland, and Stars.
Mirtahmasb has collaborated with renowned Iranian film directors, including Kambozia Partovi, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, and Siddiq Barmak. However, his career took a dramatic turn in the fall of 2011, when he and five other Iranian filmmakers were arrested by the authorities for their involvement in a BBC Persian documentary about Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The Iranian Intelligence Minister accused the group of engaging in "anti-national missions for the British Intelligence service's centre for psychological and secret operations, also known as the BBC." Mirtahmasb was eventually released in December 2011.
In 2012, his documentary This Is Not a Film was shortlisted as one of the 15 films eligible for the Best Documentary Feature award at the 85th Academy Awards.
