Interview by Mandana Ansari

Mehdi Yaarmohamadi, 38 year old filmmaker and Director of independent sun(Khorshid) Short Film Festival in Tehran- Iran.

He is an award winner from many film festivals across the world.

This year he has 2 films in the second Sahar international short film festival. Based on his request his films are screened in the Non-competition section. He worked as a promoter of short films fiction and documentary to festivals around the world.

This year he is one of panel of judges of The 2nd Sahar international short film festival. He answered our questions.

How did you become involved with Sahar Festival?

Mehdi: I have got familiar with Sahar Festival from the first year through the facebook. Because I am a short film Webmaster, my attention was drawn to the festival. And when I got to know the creators of Sahar festival, I realize how much they have a cultural interest about holding the short film festival. I decided to join and participate with them and I am very delighted with this collaboration.

You’re a filmmaker and organizer of the festival in Tehran and now you are one of the 2nd Sahar judge’s members, Would you please tell us what do you feel about the Sahar short Film Festival

Mehdi:Yes I am Creator and director of the Sun independent short film in IRAN. My festival is about independent and experimental shorts. I do my best to introduce a thoughtful and creative Iranian based cinema to the world. I am a promoter as well so I cooperate with many film festivals inside and outside of IRAN.

That is such a pleasant and beautiful experience for me to participate with Sahar Festival. It is their unique feeling, energy and enthusiasm of creator and management of Sahar festival about screening Iranian creative and Art short films in their programme. In my view it is very important and Undoubtedly that will bring a bright future for Sahar Festival.

You live in Tehran but you were unable to be present at the festival. Has this affected you in your judgment?

Mehdi:In today’s world, borders are less and less visible, a habit of mind of the man who used to think in terms of his geographical lines.

Mehdi:.The world is still in its development towards a global village, When you are in Tehran and travel through the medium of film across the world, it is an interesting experience for me, a strange and marvelous feeling.

Mehdi: According to specific parameters that we had to select favorite films, we have not any problem in seeing the films to consider them from distance in Iran.

Marshall McLuhan & Geographical Distance About judgment of films Specific parameters?
Mehdi: For me it is important when I see a film how much the films came from private experience of the filmmaker and consider cinematic language, creative and technical  aspects and …

What do you advice to young filmmakers?

Mehdi: It is important before making the film, the world’s mind, look, language and know your personal philosophy of life, learn more and then make a film. A short film in today’s world works as a think tank, for its success and to make progress, the filmmaker first, must be a thinker.