The Powerhouse Duo: 7 Shocking Facts About Yara Shahidi's Parents, Afshin And Keri Shahidi

Yara Shahidi’s parents, Afshin and Keri Shahidi, are far more than just the supportive figures behind a Hollywood star; they are a true powerhouse couple whose individual careers and joint activism have profoundly shaped their daughter's journey. As of late 2024, their influence is more visible than ever, with the family expanding their creative footprint into new media ventures that champion diverse voices and optimistic storytelling. This deep dive reveals the incredible, often surprising, biography and latest projects of the duo who raised one of Hollywood’s most prominent young activists and producers.

The foundation of Yara’s success lies in her family's rich, multicultural heritage and a deep-seated commitment to social justice. Born to an Iranian-American father and an African-American and Native Choctaw mother, the Shahidi household in Minneapolis was a hub of creativity, political consciousness, and humanitarian spirit. Their story is a compelling blend of art, industry, and advocacy that continues to make headlines today.

The Complete Biography and Profile of Afshin and Keri Shahidi

Afshin and Keri Shahidi are a dynamic couple whose professional lives in the entertainment and creative industries laid the groundwork for their children's careers. Their combined background—Afshin's in visual arts and Keri's in performance and business—provides a unique lens through which they approach their current projects.

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• Afshin Shahidi (Father):
• Profession: Cinematographer, Filmmaker, and Fine Art Photographer.
• Notable Career Highlight: Served as the personal photographer and cinematographer for the legendary musician Prince for over two decades.
• Origin/Heritage: Iranian-American.
• Book: Published the book Prince: A Private View, featuring intimate, rare photographs.
• Recent Activity (2024/2025): His photography continues to be featured in exhibitions globally, including "Prince: A London Private View" and other galleries, cementing his status as a key documentarian of pop culture history.
• Keri Shahidi (Mother):
• Profession: Actress, Producer, and Business Partner.
• Maiden Name: Keri Salter.
• Origin/Heritage: Mixed African-American and Native Choctaw heritage.
• Education: Graduated from the University of Minnesota.
• Recent Activity (2024/2025): Co-founder and Principal of 7th Sun Productions with her daughter Yara, focusing on business operations and project development.
• The Shahidi Family Unit:
• Children: Yara Shahidi (Actress/Producer), Sayeed Shahidi (Actor), and Ehsan Shahidi.
• Family Business: Co-founders of 7th Sun Productions, a production company with a focus on centering Black and Brown voices in media.
• Activism Roots: The family has a strong history of humanitarianism and political consciousness, with Yara’s paternal grandfather involved in civil rights activism.

The Shocking Truth About Afshin Shahidi: Prince’s Personal Documentarian

One of the most fascinating and least-known aspects of the Shahidi family history centers on Afshin Shahidi’s extraordinary career. He wasn't just a photographer; he was an integral part of the inner circle of one of the world's most private and iconic musicians, Prince.

Afshin Shahidi met Prince in 1993 and quickly became his most trusted visual chronicler. For over 20 years, he served as Prince's personal photographer and cinematographer, capturing intimate moments both on and off stage that no one else was privy to.

This role gave Afshin a unique perspective that he later shared in his critically acclaimed photography book, Prince: A Private View. The book features hundreds of stunning, never-before-seen images that offer a rare glimpse into the life of the music legend. The lasting relevance of this work is demonstrated by the continued interest in his exhibitions, which are still being showcased in galleries across the globe in the 2024/2025 season.

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This connection to Prince is not just a footnote; it’s a core piece of the family's artistic heritage. Yara Shahidi has spoken about the profound influence Prince had on her family, particularly on her father's commitment to artistic integrity and visual storytelling. The creative environment fostered by a father who documented a legend undoubtedly influenced Yara's own path in the arts.

Keri and Afshin’s Latest Venture: 7th Sun Productions and the 2024 Podcast Launch

While Afshin’s work with Prince is legendary, the most current and dynamic project involving both parents and Yara is their family production company, 7th Sun Productions. Launched in 2020, the company is a direct manifestation of the Shahidi family's collective vision: to create media that tells meaningful stories and centers Black and Brown voices.

Keri Shahidi, who has a background as an actress, has stepped into a principal role as a business partner and producer alongside Yara. This mother-daughter business partnership is a powerful example of intergenerational collaboration in Hollywood. The company's name, 7th Sun, is inspired by the idea of a new dawn and a fresh perspective in storytelling.

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The most recent and significant project from 7th Sun Productions, announced in June 2024, is the launch of a new podcast with SiriusXM titled “The Optimist Project,” hosted by Yara Shahidi. This venture perfectly encapsulates the family's humanitarian ethos, as the podcast focuses on conversations that explore optimism, hope, and social change. Keri’s business acumen and vision are crucial to the strategic partnerships that make projects like this possible, moving the company beyond traditional film and television into the expansive world of audio media.

The Multicultural Roots Driving the Shahidi Family’s Activism

The Shahidi family's commitment to activism and social justice is deeply rooted in their multicultural background. This heritage is the engine behind their politically conscious and humanitarian worldview.

• Iranian-American Heritage: Afshin Shahidi’s Iranian background connects the family to a rich cultural history and a global perspective, which informs their advocacy for international issues.
• African-American and Native Choctaw Heritage: Keri Shahidi’s mixed heritage, including African-American and Native Choctaw roots, ties the family directly to the civil rights movement and indigenous issues in the United States.

Yara has often credited her civic engagement to growing up "in a humanitarian family." Her grandfather, who was involved in the civil rights movement, set a powerful precedent for advocacy that the Shahidi children—Yara, Sayeed, and Ehsan—have all embraced.

This commitment is evident not only in Yara’s work as an actress and activist but also in the mission of 7th Sun Productions, which aims to produce content that challenges norms and promotes inclusivity. The Shahidi parents didn't just support their children's careers; they provided a framework of social responsibility, ensuring that their platform is used to uplift marginalized voices and drive meaningful change in the entertainment industry and beyond. Their story is a powerful testament to how heritage and purpose can fuel a family's success.