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

Hi Kiarash, how do you think about risk?
When I reflect on the concept of risk, it’s deeply intertwined with my journey and has shaped who I am today. At the age of 21, I made a life-altering decision to move to the United States, leaving behind my familiar surroundings and loved ones. Graduating with a BA in Multimedia Studies, specializing in Film, was a significant achievement, but it was what happened next that truly defined my path.

The day after my graduation, I embarked on a transformative journey. I packed my dreams into my car and drove from Florida to the heart of Los Angeles, to go after my dreams. The decision to leave my family and friends behind wasn’t easy, but I knew that to reach for the stars, I had to step onto a new stage.

Upon my arrival in LA, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic swiftly unfolded, affecting everyone’s lives. Much like the rest of the world, I found myself confined to my home, and as an artist, the impact was profound. It felt akin to being incarcerated for nearly an entire year, stifling my creative freedom and sense of exploration.

During this challenging period, I faced a pivotal decision. I grappled with the choice of either returning to my hometown where work opportunities were more accessible or remaining in LA with the hope that the pandemic would eventually subside. I recognized that waiting for the situation to improve was crucial because in my industry, forming connections through networking is paramount for achieving success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Undoubtedly, everyone finds themselves at various points in their career journey, and I’m certain that each path has been marked by its own set of challenges. What I believe sets my narrative apart is the distance I’ve traveled, both geographically and personally. Arriving here from a distant continent, I embarked on this adventure without a single familiar face in sight and for a person like me who is not the best in socializing, the ability to establish connections and cultivate a network of accomplished friends has been a noteworthy accomplishment.

One thing I’ve learned is that if you’re afraid of something or believe you’re not proficient in it, don’t compel yourself into it. When failure occurs, it could be a significant setback. Instead, allow yourself to progressively improve in that area. This approach ensures that even minor failures won’t exert a substantial impact; rather, they will serve as valuable lessons along your journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them one night to an exotic bar in Hollywood to let them experience the nightlife of LA. For the rest of the week, it would mostly involve sightseeing, visiting museums, enjoying a day at the beach, and definitely two days of camping at Yosemite.

Given the incredible diversity here in LA, we’d likely explore restaurants representing various cultures each day. One place I particularly enjoy dining at is a waterfront restaurant in Malibu called “The Paradise Cove”.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout my entire journey, my family has been my unwavering pillar of support. As a foreign student living in America, the financial assistance from my dad was the cornerstone that made this experience possible. Equally vital was my mom’s influence, shaping my dreams from childhood by entrusting me with a camera and nurturing my passions. Together, we’d spend countless nights engrossed in films, laying the foundation for my aspirations.

This united front of family, including their tireless encouragement, has been pivotal in celebrating even the smallest of my achievements. Without their backing, I wouldn’t be here, pursuing the very dream they helped ignite and nurture.

Website: https://www.kiarashn.com

Instagram: kiarashni

Image Credits
Kiarash Naderi Kati M Deeba Niazi

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.