Meet MJ Golzari | Filmmaker and Photographer

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

Hi MJ, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For me, pursuing an artistic career is like leaving a part of yourself in history. Long after you’re gone, the work you’ve created continues to live, perhaps even outlasting you. There’s something profoundly beautiful in bringing to life something that once existed only in the mind of an artist. It’s a process of turning imagination into emotion, story, and image, forms that can forge deep, universal connections between human beings.
Choosing an artistic path, in my opinion, is a rebellion against the pursuit of wealth. It requires a deep love for the ongoing effort it demands. Passion is the only fuel that keeps an artist moving forward—to explore more, to feel more, to risk more, and, in many ways, to live multiple lives within a single lifetime.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The art I create today is a blend of all the elements I’ve loved throughout my life. Cinema, photography, music, and literature. To explain where I am now, I have to go back a bit. I started taking photos with my dad’s film camera when I was ten. Cameras were always a part of my life. So were books and music, they shaped who I became long before I ever thought of becoming a filmmaker.
Then one day, I watched a film that completely shook me. It wasn’t just entertainment, it was an emotional attack. It moved something so deep within me that I thought, I want to create something that can make others feel this way. That moment lit a fire.
From there, I began working in the documentary world, on TV shows, docu-series, live broadcasts, music videos, short commercials, and performances. I was involved in every stage: pre-production, production, and post. Every project was a step toward learning and growing.
Eventually, I realized it was time to make something of my own. That’s when I began crafting short experimental films rooted in the elements I’ve always loved: images, music, and poetry. My current work is deeply visual, with minimal dialogue, poetic structure, and philosophical undertones. I use images as the primary language to tell stories, because that’s where I feel most at home as an artist. That’s when I knew: I had found my way of speaking in the world of art.
I’ve learned that the form or style of art matters less than the truth behind it. I don’t try to make bold political or cultural statements—those can often be misunderstood. Instead, I work with something more universal: emotions, moods, and the unspoken feelings that all humans share. That’s the language I use to communicate with the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t usually plan every day in detail, but when I travel or when I’m showing someone around, I follow a kind of rhythm. First, we dive into the history of the place. I believe you can’t understand a city without knowing what came before. Then, it’s time for the natural landscapes, hiking trails, rivers, and hidden spots that feel untouched.
After that, I like to feel the city’s energy and its people. Whether that’s walking through local neighborhoods, sitting in parks, or just people-watching at a café, it tells you everything about the soul of a place.
Of course, food is essential, trying local favorites, and anything that tells a story through flavor. And finally, when the sun goes down, it’s about having some fun bars, music venues, small clubs, or even just a night walk with good company. My ideal itinerary would be a mix of all of these rich in feeling, discovery, and moments that stick with you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout first to my family, the ones who are always there when it matters most. Even when we don’t always see eye to eye, their support has never wavered. I’m also deeply grateful to my mentors, friends, and everyone I’ve shared conversations, homes, and moments. These connections have shaped me, sustained me, and given meaning to my journey. Whatever I become or achieve, it will always be rooted in the love and presence of those people.

Website: https://mjgolzari.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mj.golzari/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjgolzari/

Image Credits
MJ Golzari