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2018 in short review....

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This was a wonderful year for us at ANIMALS & we are stoked that you shared it with us! Here is the short review:

  • We released two feature films: THREE WORLDS & MAN (both also avail on Amazon Prime in all English speaking territories along with several other major platforms). One of these we shouldered for close to 5 years. This also concluded the THREE MARKS TOO MANY SIGNALS series of works that started with the release of CANYON in 2016.

  • We re-released an HD update of my 2010 feature film WHALE (Amazon Prime & other platforms avail as well).

  • We released two soundtracks (OST) for both films on all major music platforms. (THREE WORLDS / MAN)

  • We re-released a collection of Mirs singles into a short full length record called Singles 1218 (including two all new tracks from 2018 ((Saturday / Hafiz Drinks from the Cup of Time V1)) available on all major music platforms)

  • We released the Mirs Visual Short Film, “what do you know of water’s worth while standing on the banks of the euphrates” - This was technically a 2017 release, but it was close enough to a year to date to include here.

  • We almost got done with two other major releases, but they had to be pushed into 2019, both around 90% finished. These two where brought into life by incredible stretches of faith & ample serendipity.

We look forward to a wonderful 2019, and are busy with new works, new collaborations and new possibilities. I want to thank everyone who we worked with us this year and all the incredible talent we collaborated with on these projects in a plethora of capacities, and to everyone who shared and helped us push our agenda forward.

Thank you deeply and with the sincerest gratitude,

am

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What is the movie "Three Worlds" about?

Every week since its release, I get an email (or several) asking a question similar to this, “hi, can you please explain “the XYZ” scene in your movie Three Worlds (sometimes they spell it “3 worlds”). Occasionally, I get the all encompassing, “what is the movie Three Worlds about?”

I try to reply back to all the sincere questions, but the answer is not a fully satisfied one, though the response to my answer seems to be enough.

I recently tried to think if I had ever thought about “meaning” in a film. And it occurred to me that I had not, at least not in a concrete way, but I assume this is irregular.

My answer is always the same; “I have my ideas about what the scene (film) is about, but yours are better than mine, even if you haven’t decided yet.”

Happy Thanksgiving Friends, enjoy time with your loved ones. And if are particularly feeling alone, reach out and say hello.

Roscoe and Amir

Screening dates and events coming up for THREE WORLDS & MAN!

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Our producer Charles Borg hosts IFP CHICAGO’s “Filmmakers Friday” on Friday, November 9th at 4:30pm where we present both THREE WORLDS and MAN, followed by a Q/A and mixer.

On November 14th, at 5:15, MAN screens at Tribeca Flashpoint Chicago at the “Screening Room” followed by a discussion.

Both events are free to the public.

ANIMALS Do Work

Additional Screening Dates set for MAN & THREE WORLDS

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After a great THREE WORLDS screening and panel (moderated by Omar McClinton) at VAiFF, we picked up two additional dates in Chicago to see the films screened.

We will be doing a “Filmmakers Friday” at IFP CHICAGO on Friday, November 9th at 4:30pm where we present both THREE WORLDS and MAN, followed by a Q/A and mixer.

On November 14th, at 5:15, MAN screens at Flashpoint Chicago at the “Screening Room” followed by a discussion. Please contact with appropriate heading to be included in the guest list for this event.

THREE WORLDS Reviewed by Premier Arthouse Cinema Site PINNLAND EMPIRE

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When you make art & you put it out into the world, it becomes a vulnerable time if you haven’t done the necessary work to detach. Essentially, equanimity is the only barrier between this raw period and the world. I seldom read or look at reviews, but this one was a bit different because I felt the reviewer got it (the essence), for lack of a better term, and that connection is wonderful.

So, when you got a moment, check out this THREE WORLDS review from the stellar arthouse cinema site, PINNLAND EMPIRE.

“Amir Motlagh dispels some of the superficial stigmas put on Los Angeles while at the same time embraces the very real superficialities associated with L.A. (outside of Los Angeles being the epicenter of the entertainment industry, it’s a very cool city unlike any other if you know the right people).

And putting all Mekas/Malick comparisons aside, this is very much Motlagh’s own film. The movie is filled with obvious autobiographical content that comes off as genuine & organic as opposed to pretentious. That’s not an easy task with a film like this (ambient, sprawling, artistic and sometimes chaotic). A young filmmaker could easily get self-absorbed & pretentious with a movie like Three Worlds but that’s not the case here.

This will definitely require a second (or third) viewing. And that’s a good thing. This isn’t something to fully digest in one sitting.”
— Marcus Pinn

THREE WORLDS is HERE!!

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You can finally watch THREE WORLDS on Vimeo On Demand starting now!  This is the soft launch, with many platforms coming soon including Amazon Prime. Though, being an amazing first adapter, you don't like waiting.

I don't want to say too much about the film, but it is a unique experience. Like my other film MAN, it benefits from putting the phone and distractions away for 90 minutes. Though, while part of the same series of works, THREE WORLDS is nothing like MAN on a structural/formalistic level. (if you haven't watched MAN, click here).

Additional info:

Three Worlds is a psychological science fiction drama that explores the three lives, or 'worlds,' of a man who undergoes an experiment that triggers haunting memories and alternate life memories.

Written & Directed by Amir Motlagh
Produced by ANIMALS, Amir Motlagh, Charles Borg
Director of Photography: Amir Motlagh

Starring:
Amir Motlagh
Samantha Robinson
Rey Deegan
Keaton Shyler
Gregory Linington

Editing: Bryan Tuck, Amir Motlagh
Original Score by Julian DW Brink

Sound Designer & Re-Recording Mixer: Stephen Holliger

1/3 of the THREE MARKS, TOO MANY SIGNALS trilogy.

Press Quotes:

"It's rare to mix rawness with beauty" - Marcus Pinn PINNLAND EMPIRE / ZEBRAS IN AMERICA

"It's always exciting whenever a distinct new voice makes itself heard on the indie landscape. Amir Motlagh is such a voice...."Honest and soulful" - Adam Schartoff FILMWAX RADIO

“There is without a doubt a definitive boldness to “Three Worlds”, both in its tone and aspirations, and it will certainly require viewers to lean in a little closer, which is never a bad thing…..a curious and
fascinating watch.” - David Fowlie KEEPING IT REEL

The experience of both films (MAN + Three Worlds) is one that any film connoisseur must have. To sit with an awareness of the film, and, an awareness of how you are watching it, is a surreal act that can only be described as “art.” Motlagh’s work is definitely a piece of art in the medium of film.” - Jonita Davis THE IRANIAN