(“Six O’clock” 2016, Iran, Keivan Mohseni)
What inspired you to make this film?
Iranian professional cinema has worked very weakly in this genre. Our aim was to make an action film with a low budget in order to show that with a higher budget, this genre can thrive in Iranian cinema. In making this film, I have placed more emphasis on form than on content, and on how to improvise to reach a concept. By form I do not mean technique. You don’t see any new technique in this film.
What do you want American audiences to know about this film or about the subject matter?
The Iranian moviegoer cannot imagine a character like James Bond; Therefore, most of the topics and actions in this genre would become ridiculous, especially in a short film in which these things are a lot harder to create. So, my main character is not a hero, but more like a caricature of a hero; a caricature of those of us who punishes people in cinematic forms in our imagination. I feel that the Iranian society does not believe in the kind of heroes that are expected to appear in these films.
Is it difficult to make films in your home country? Why or why not?
It is very difficult to make films in this genre. I am making films in a small town without any professional group and I am using amateur or non-actors in entertaining short films. Because I work with a low budget, the production process becomes long and difficult.
Is there anything else you want us to know about you as a director or about your film?
The expenses for the production amounted to only $25. That’s because I do everything myself.
“December 2016”
Disclaimer: Please note that most artists, filmmakers and authors presented by FCI are not native speakers of the English language. To avoid misinterpretation, it is FCI’s policy to print their responses as received without structural or content changes.
