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

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was born to do art, period. Ever since I was little, I tried to catch every chance I got to be with art. I sold my bicycle in exchange for a guitar when I was 12, taught myself music and got the award for best composed theatrical music at Fajr international festival at age of 23. . I went into theatrical play at 15, and have directed, written and played in numerous plays.

Things started becoming increasingly difficult for artists like me in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It eventually came down to a decision: I either gave up on art or had to leave the country. I chose the latter. Subsequently started exile/nomadic life in Tajikistan and Russia. Tajikistan was a new frontier for post modern street theater. I wrote and directed the first play and brought it to the peripheral of the public. I did this while living in a homeless life style.

After that, I kept on and got numerous awards for best direct, writer and music. My students were getting awards for their acting as well. Some of them are well known actors and actresses in Tajikistan today.

Later I was given an opportunity to come to the United States. I took the chance and came. Now I live in LA, currently working on several projects. One of them is a feature documentary called Mahwash. Mahwash is one of the first female singers in Afghanistan. She was the first female that was granted the title of Ustad (master), achieving immense success but had to flee the country due to persecution by her own family and the turmoil imposed by Mujahideen. The documentary follows her footsteps in achieving her dream of singing one last time to her people and the diminishing possibility of that due to US’ withdraw of its presence and occupation of Taliban.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born to do art, period. Ever since I was a little kid, I tried to grab every opportunity to be with art. My first music teacher was a homeless gentleman who gave me lessons in exchange for food. I exchanged my bike for a guitar at age of 12, taught my self music, later went on to win the best composed theatrical music at Fajr International Festival. I got into theatrical play at 15; wrote, directed and played in many plays.

Things become increasingly difficult for artists like me in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It eventually came down to two options. I either gave up on art or had to leave the country. I chose latter. Subsequently started my exile/Norma did life in Tajikistan and Russia.

Tajikistan was a new frontier for post modern street theatrics. I wrote and directed the first play and brought it to the peripheral of the public while living a homeless life. Things started becoming crazy after that. People started reaching out to me regarding my work. I went on to win the best director, writer and music for many of my work. My students were getting awards as well. Today some of them have become well known actors/actresses in Tajikistan.

Later I was given an opportunity to come to the United States. I took it and came. Now I live in LA. Currently working on several projects. One of them is a feature documentary called Mahwash. Mahwash is one of the first female singers in Afghanistan that was granted the title of Ustad( master). She has won countless international awards for her outstanding talents and was nominated for Grammy. No other Afghanistan women has archived such game. However, while archiving immense success, she had to fleet the country due to persecution by her own family and extreme turmoil imposed by Mujahideen. The documentary follows her footsteps in archiving her dream of singing one last time to her people and the diminishing opportunity of that due to the US’ withdraw from Afghanistan and the occupation of Taliban currently.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank my partner for her support in my pursuit of my dream.

Instagram: @samjavadi_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-javadi-066b76132

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100001733710856/

Image Credits
Reza Khodayar

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.