We had the good fortune of connecting with Armin Nasseri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Armin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I have always been a risk taker since my early adulthood. Anytime you make an independent film and you fund it yourself, it’s a huge risk. When you take a chance on reaching out to strangers, whether if the work relationship is successful or not, it’s still a risk. I have done this many times and the rewards have been incredible. If you don’t take any risks, there is no growth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Acting was my first love since the age of 14. I studied at an acting school before enrolling in the film production program at Los Angeles City College and West LA College. I got to experience a lot of hands-on work such as making short films and getting a film education.

I completed film school and spent five years doing freelance work on micro-budget films. I worked on every department that you can imagine from second assistant director, boom operator, production assistant, art department assistant, art director, camera assistant, still photographer, craft services and editor.

During that time, I had a talent agent and I was auditioning for roles and went through several rejections. As a first-generation, Iranian-American, there wasn’t that many opportunities for Iranian people in the entertainment industry as well as not being considered for American roles. The only way you can change something is to be the change, so I wrote and directed a short film titled Seeking Valentina. A psychological thriller that portrayed an Iranian-American family as nuanced human beings. My collaborator Kristin West and I showcased an inclusive, gender-balanced movie that eliminated all stereotypes and tropes that have been perpetuated by Hollywood. It was the kind of film that I wanted to see growing up in the 1990s and 2000s, but it did not exist. I am proud that Seeking Valentina has received many nominations and awards and is currently streaming on multiple platforms.

I directed my first documentary feature titled George Hobbs: Stick Figure Wisdom. The documentary is about a Los Angeles contemporary artist named George Hobbs, who is using his art to bring people together. It was not easy making this documentary. We captured many hours of footage. The production was put on hold due to lack of funds. We managed to complete the principle of photography and then our editing sessions was suspended due to the pandemic. We didn’t give up and the film was completed after four years. I’m humbled that our film took home the Grand Prize for Best Documentary Feature at Marina del Rey Film Festival. The documentary also received an award for Best Feature Documentary at Other Venice Film Festival as well as winning the Keith Haring Pop Cinema Award at International Network Film Festival. My team and I are so thrilled that George Hobbs: Stick Figure Wisdom has won over 30 awards. I am happy to see that George’s artwork is resonating with the audience members.

I have recently directed my second documentary feature about another Los Angeles-based artist named Alicia Piller. I produced it with Todd Garner and Jo Harmon. The documentary feature is in post-production and it will be released soon. I am also co-producing a documentary series titled Searching for Goodness with award-winning filmmaker Bessy Adut. Searching for Goodness deals with many relevant topics such as global warming and climate change. You can catch the series on YouTube and all Podcast platforms.

Independent filmmaking has never been easy. I went through several challenges, including the search for funding, getting hospitalized before the first film shoot, dealing with challenging shooting schedules, dealing with editing issues and finding distribution. These setbacks have not deterred me from reaching my goals. I have been persistent and always followed my own path.

Even though I have made movies that are a proven success, it’s still very difficult to get funding for projects that you want to get made. Once you make a project, you will still get rejections from film festivals and distributors. It takes perseverance to overcome obstacles.

My main goal is to tell stories and continue to give a voice to the voiceless. I want to showcase how we are all alike regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I like places that are off the beaten path. I would take my friends to places for great food, great music and great times as well as experiencing nature.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a special shout-out to my parents. They are my role models. They have given me unconditional love and support and also helped shaped the person that I am today.

Website: polarunderworldproductions.com

Instagram: @arminnasseri

Facebook: facebook.com/arminnasserifilmmaker

Image Credits
Steve Escarcega, Todd Garner, Lydia Keen Woodruff, Jo Harmon, Bessy Adut

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