ON THE
SCENE fESTIVAL
On the
scene festival
Cameraman
Spotlight on ...
Arsalan Motavali
(Director)
Tell us about the story and what inspired you to create ‘Cameraman’
The idea for this film stems from a true story that happened to my parents when they first immigrated from Iran to the UK. I heard it only as a child but when I began thinking about what I wanted my first film to be, I knew it had to be this one.
I have always been drawn — and haunted — by the theme of time. How it passes, how memory distorts it and the strange shadow of nostalgia and melancholy it casts. So, from the beginning I knew that my family’s home video from Iran had to be a part of this story. I wanted to blend fact and fiction to celebrate these treasured tapes and add a level of truth that would have otherwise been impossible. The tapes brought the specificity of Iranian culture I desired and revealed something universal: the delicate balancing act of following one’s dreams and facing one’s reality. I wanted to depict the bright-eyed hope many immigrants arrive with, only to be met with the surreal and sobering reality, capturing the quiet absurdity of the immigrant experience. It was vital that the film be honest and to balance the challenges the characters face, with the warmth and sincerity I saw in my family growing up. In other words, I wanted the film to make audiences laugh and cry.
This film is a tribute not only to my parents, but to all immigrants, whose stories are too often hijacked for political purposes. I hope it serves as a tender reflection of their experiences and allows their struggles and sacrifices to be seen.
As this is a debut short, what made you want to move from the previous producing work you’d done on independent films such as ‘Femme’ to taking the lead on your own short?
I have always known it was something I wanted to do. I love producing and I love working in development and will continue to do so, but I know that there are stories that I need to tell myself, in my own way. I’m lucky to be working with so many talented writers and directors on the producing side and playing a small role in realising their projects. However, there are many stories that I feel like I have a specific vision on and want to bring to audiences.
From making your debut, what were you able to bring to this new role and what challenges did you experience that you’ve learnt from for the future?
I think filmmaking skills are so transferable. Having produced, I knew about how sets operate, how to keep time and how to find the best collaborators. I took all of my learnings to ensure that I had a crew that were immensely talented, hardworking and kind. Having a team that I knew would collaborate well filled me with so much confidence, I knew I was surrounded by people that were there to achieve a shared creative vision.
The process allows you to very intimately see how the film shifts from script to edit. Learning to let the film guide you really teaches you a lot about what you value as a filmmaker and the shots and emotion that you prioritise. I think filmmaking is a very iterative art form and you naturally understand your voice and style the more you progress. One of the reasons I’m so excited to continue doing this is because I feel I have understood my voice and my ambitions as a director even more than before.
For someone who has never made a film before, what advice can you give them to get the ball rolling?
My advice, which is very unoriginal, would be to watch a lot of films. Watch the classics and don’t watch with judgement or with the intention to critique, but watch as a fan and to emotionally engage. It’s important to not become cynical about films and to have a deep understanding of what moves and engages you. Equally important would be: learn how to write well and read a lot of scripts.
What are you currently working on? Do you have any upcoming projects we can keep an eye out for?
I am working on a couple of shorts, both of which are at script stage. One is more of a playful psychological drama and the other uses the conventions of a thriller to tell a story of an outsider through the eyes of children. I’m really excited about both. I’m also slowly working on getting a few features established. I have so many films I want to make, it’s just about finding the time to do so!
"I hope it serves as a tender reflection of their experiences and allows their struggles and sacrifices to be seen."
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