“I define the situation around today's society as a deterrent, and believe that others make decisions for women. My dad always said life is like a rough road and it is our job to pave the way for ourselves and others. The stories in my films are not just transient events but a way to convey the passage of my passage to those around me.”
For those of us peering into the constantly transforming world of Afghan film, it is no surprise that the country has reached a moment where film has become a mode of celebration among the masses.
Despite being overshadowed by feature films, film festivals also serve as major catalysts and promoters of short films. With special competitions in the most prestigious of festivals, new and emerging filmmakers are able to experiment with innovative storytelling and make a name for themselves in the increasingly competitive film industry through short filmmaking.
“It was exciting to see people from other countries have the same encounter. It shows the universality of problems that exist between families and their children. My focus was to show how we are losing each other in this modern life. For a better house or car, there’s no time to live life. You see, culturally our worlds are all alike.”
The recently concluded 24th Busan International Film Festival has propelled a new set of upcoming Farsi directors into the global film scene, furthering its commitment to meet the rising audience demand for greater representation and diversity on screen.
"Politics separates us and art unites us. The work that Farsi Cinema Center is doing is very important with these initiatives and we need to break borders, break what separates us. We need to create a shared life, society, and culture."
Working with ACTRA Toronto, we hope to redefine the inclusion of Farsi speakers on screen, and open opportunities for Farsi-speaking communities to share their real life experiences with the world. Behind the propagandized stories of war and violence exist stories of love, heartbreak, family struggles, and happiness – stories Farsi directors are unraveling on the big screen one at a time.
Summer has come to its end and some of the biggest feasts of cinema have wrapped up their work for the year. Cannes, Venice, Karlovy Vary, TIFF, Locarno and many other international film festivals have surprised all of us with a long list of great films. FCC takes a brief look at this summer and some of the highlights of the Farsi speaking cinema; films that shined in some of the most prestigious film festivals across the universe.
“I’d really like to co-produce with different countries, and I’m doing my best to make it happen. That’s the main goal I have in mind. I don’t want to stick to the Iranian film industry, I want to work with different cultures, producers, and cast from all over the world. To experience more, to learn more.”