Behind the Lens: Filmmaker of the Month Spotlight

Breck Film deeply appreciates and celebrates the artistry of filmmaking, especially the work of indie film directors who create unique cinematic visions. That is why every month, we carefully select and feature past Breck Film Fest film directors, recognizing their contributions to the world of cinema.

Our mission is to explore the intricate narratives of these talented indie directors, retelling their professional journeys within the ever-shifting landscape of the independent film industry. In these tellings, we uncover stories of their challenges, successes, and the unwavering creative spirit that fuels their passion for storytelling.

In addition to providing insights into the lives of these artists, we serve as your source for discovering their cinematic accomplishments. We offer valuable information about the streaming platforms where you can access their acclaimed indie films and other viewing opportunities, ensuring you can immerse yourself in their compelling storytelling and thought-provoking narratives.

Whether you're a devoted film enthusiast, an aspiring independent film director, or simply someone with a keen interest in cinematic exploration, our Filmmaker of the Month series opens the door to the brilliance of some of the best independent film directors in the industry. Get ready to be captivated, entertained, and enriched by the stories and films that have left Breck Film audiences in awe.

Tell us your backstory. How and why did you get into filmmaking?

On the night the winners of the 2015 Oscars were announced, I hadn't had the chance to see the nominees, and I regretted missing the opportunity to predict the winners. I was the marketing manager of a large company, and due to the economic crises in my country, I would often find myself leaving work in the middle of the night, crafting stories in my mind while driving home. Not only did I miss that night's event, but a week later, I discovered a lump in my throat, leading to a thyroid cancer diagnosis. I thought “Was that all?”

Despite my background in electrical engineering, I earned a master’s degree in management in a desperate effort to get closer to humanities. From childhood, I read many books, wrote stories, and played TAR—an Iranian musical instrument. However, none of them was supposed to be my future career. In Iran, there's a joke among youth whose parents advise them, "Become a doctor and, on the side, continue with sports and arts, aiming for the level of Messi and Picasso."

Life doesn't leave room for things on the side. So I quit my job to pursue my lifelong passion for cinema.

What’s harder? Getting started or being able to keep going? And what drives you to continue making films?

I think it depends on one's personality. For me, starting is harder. But once I overcome inertia, I don't have any problem continuing. Storytelling is a part of my inner drive; I need to share my imagination with others. I want them to hear it, enjoy it, and relate to my characters. That keeps me motivated.

How do you know when your story’s finished, when to walk away?

I always know how my story will end before I start writing. It seems to me that the end of the story tells us what we wanted to convey from the beginning and why we chose to narrate this story. Perhaps for a long novel, one can start from somewhere and delegate the decision for the ending to the process, but in screenwriting, there is a time constraint for telling the story, and the ending cannot be left to chance. I believe that when a story is crafted correctly, it reveals its own ending.

What is your favorite aspect of film production?

I love creating a world out of nothing.

Can you describe the business behind independent filmmaking and how you are trying to get your film seen?

I am new to this field, and the film industry's structure and mechanisms in my country are quite different from those in the United States. In my country, there are no major film production companies, and films are divided into two categories: government-funded and independent. Unfortunately, there is no clear system for film distribution, and success is largely a matter of chance. However, participating in reputable festivals remains a reasonable way to attract attention to a film.

What are the next project or projects you are beginning work on?

Currently, I'm writing a 20-episode TV series for a VOD platform.

The Quarantine Redemption Trailer

Follow Bahar on Instagram: @Bahar.Dorabadi