Filmed in Canada, Iran, and the United States, Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani examines the life and mathematical work of Maryam Mirzakhani, an Iranian immigrant to the United States who became a superstar in her field. In 2014, she was both the first woman and the first Iranian to be honored by mathematics' highest prize, the Fields Medal. Mirzakhani's contributions are explained by leading mathematicians and illustrated by animated sequences. Her mathematical colleagues from around the world, as well as former teachers, classmates, and students in Iran today, convey the deep impact of her achievements. The path of her education, success on Iran's Math Olympiad team, and her brilliant work, make Mirzakhani an ideal role model for girls looking toward careers in science and mathematics. Written by George Csicsery
Direction
Csicsery lets mathematicians speak poetry without dumbing down.
Practical Effects
Hand-drawn animations make hyperbolic surfaces genuinely beautiful.
Writing
Balances biography with actual math you can almost follow.
Director
George Paul Csicsery
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Mirzakhani was the first Iranian to compete in the International Math Olympiad before it was normalized for girls; she won gold in 1994 and 1995.
Her 2014 Fields Medal coincided with Iran's hardliners blocking women from STEM abroad—her victory became accidental political ammunition.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
