Aida Tebianian: Championing Women’s Stories Through Film

What are the most formidable challenges inherent to the profession of filmmaking?

The hardest challenge in filmmaking is transforming the initial idea into a compelling screenplay that accurately reflects the thoughts and worldview of the filmmaker. In the production phase, the toughest challenge for independent filmmakers in Iran is finding a personal investor to finance the production of their film.

Could you elaborate on the wellspring of your creative inspiration for this particular short film?

According to my worldview towards women and as a woman, I have always been concerned about making films centered on women. The three films I have already made narrate a small part of the life of modern Iranian women in today’s society, highlighting the limitations they face. These challenges have always served as my main inspiration for filmmaking.

Could you elucidate on the central thematic underpinning of your film?

Considering that I intend to create a trilogy about father-daughter relationships in traditional and religious societies in Iran, it’s worth mentioning that I have completed two films in this trilogy. The film ‘Witness’ is the second in this series. Therefore, the main thematic underpinning of my film addresses the social issues and challenges women and girls face due to unjust laws and traditions.

How do you navigate the task of strategizing cost-effective promotional efforts when operating within a constrained budget?

Considering that independent filmmakers produce films with very limited budgets, extensive advertising is not feasible. However, distributing films at international festivals and screening them with the invitation of the cast and the presence of audiences significantly helps in gaining visibility for the film, without the need to incur advertising costs.

In today's dynamic marketplace, how pivotal do you consider the role of film distribution?

As I am a filmmaker as well as a film distributor, distributing the works of other independent filmmakers, I believe that the quality of a film plays a very important role in its visibility at various international festivals. However, the correct approach to film distribution and communication with festivals, in collaboration with a professional team in this field, can significantly enhance the visibility of films on a global scale.

For individuals contemplating the path of self-distribution, what counsel or insights can you offer?

Filmmakers who are unfamiliar with festivals can distribute their film through a distributor. Additionally, if they lack the budget to pay for festival entry fees or distributor costs, they can reach out to festivals directly for personal consideration.

In your estimation, what level of significance do short films hold for aspiring filmmakers seeking to embark on a career in directing?

Making short films creates numerous experiences in various areas, including team leadership, teamwork, directing actors, and interacting with performers. Additionally, this process aids filmmakers in their professional journey. Through the trial and error involved in creating short films, they find the right path toward filmmaking.

Reflecting on your professional journey thus far, could you share an instance of the most formidable challenge you encountered and how you surmounted it?

As an independent filmmaker in Iran, my biggest challenge in my professional career is finding investors to fund my films, along with the numerous restrictions and censorship that independent Iranian filmmakers face. To tackle the challenge of funding, I have tried to create films with smaller budgets that can be more easily executed in a shorter amount of time

What, in your view, are the critical factors that contribute to the creation of a cinematic masterpiece?

There are many elements involved in creating a cinematic masterpiece. Among them are the initial idea, transforming that idea into a screenplay, properly developing the story, and the appropriate selection of behind-the-scenes crew and actors, all of which play a significant role in creating an impactful film.

If you could revisit the inception of your career, are there any aspects or decisions you would choose to alter in hindsight?

I believe that the path I have taken so far has been the right one, and if I could go back to the past, I would choose the same path again. Perhaps, considering the experiences and worldview I have gained, I might have liked to change some small parts, but I am very satisfied with the journey I am on.