Film

KHOOBI release along with the ANIMALS slate.

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With a block of time set, and some good luck in the form of music licensing and decision making, it seems that I can finally release Khoobi before the month of June is over.

My plan involves a straight to web release under a CC copyright.  This means that you will be free to download it, show it to your friends  and even screen it (as long as you hit me up first).  I've not yet decided if it should be under the remix able license yet, but maybe?

Curators, if you are interested in screening the film, please contact first.  Since this is a non-commercial release, you must first get permission son.

The official date has not been decided yet, maybe I'll slip it under you while you sleep.

This is the first of several ANIMALS collaborative projects I will be releasing this year, with the climax being my next feature film (Reza the Camel) which is in development at the moment.

In other news, I'm featured in the next issue of DNA Recordz Magazine, which highlights the work of the next generation of Diaspora artist.  Here is a photo from the shoot.

DNA Recordz, Amir Motlagh

 

Khoobi (are you ok)

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Slated as the first AYA release of 2011, Khoobi (are you ok) is at the tail end of post-production.  The picture is locked, and we just started the online edit (motion graphics, sound design, etc).  I've been blessed with an amazing team that I'm incredibly indebted too.  And a new member just joined, alleviating my final trepidations.

They all shall be named in the next update.

Looking at a May/June release, although, if I were to deliver it to the web first and forego the film festival route, I would predict a March release.

It's is a tricky world to navigate these days, but don't worry, I'll figure it out.

As for "what its about", well, just wait a bit.  Why spoil the fun.  I can say one thing with certainty; that in fact, I got my father to do old school hand drawn animation in one of the sequences.

Best
AM 

Voice of America interview and some Links

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On Saturday, August 7th, I was interviewed live on the satellite channel V.O.A show, Shabahang, with host Behnood Mokri. They showed a few clips of my work, talked a bit about WHALE, and a bit of the challenges involved in being an Iranian American filmmaker.

The segment ran about 15-20 minutes, and when a link is available, I will post it, although my Farsi is not so good, and I'm sure it caused a few laughs. All in all, I received lots of kind messages from people all around the world saying that they enjoyed the interview.

We are currently working on a new website which will make navigating easier, especially in trying to find some of my work, which is scattered everywhere..

In the spirit of making things easier to find, you can access some of my channels here. They are all a bit different(Vimeo and Dailymotion shows some longer films like Plain Us and knock. knock. for now, and Youtube has WHALE along with some other videos), although in the future, I will migrate them all to one place. For now, check them all out, see what you like, and connect with me.

Amir @ Youtube
Amir @ Vimeo
Amir @ Dailymotion

"The Stakes of No Stakes" a new interview and more.

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Two things on the agenda, first I am in the process of having a new website built, one in which will make finding what I'm doing easier, and as I've been quietly recently, its only because lots of things are happening.

Second, and more importantly, is a new interview I did with an M.A student in Film Studies in Kolkata, India, asking me some questions about what I thought "No-Budget Filmmaking" means, both concept and conception. This is for his dissertation paper, and since its academic in spirit, click if your only interested in such things.

The Stakes of No Stakes

Whale, "A debut well worth catching"

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3-8-10


Taken directley from Pittsurgh Examiner


Written by Sam Ippolito


"Whale", a Mumblecore-like tale of Writer/Director/Star Amir Motlagh forced by a failed romantic relationship, to move back home with his parents, at 29, to try and reclaim his once burgeoning writing career. Motlagh plays Cameron, an Iranian-American immigrant with suburban roots in Orange County, discovers through reacquainting himself with old friends, that they too, suffer from a lack of maturity and not being able to control their aimless wonder.


Told through interconnecting monologues and talkie scenes, a story begins to appear out of nowhere, similar to its shaky hand-held camera shots of the wide blue open of California skies, dotted with little fluffy clouds. The poster art of the movie even shows our two main characters staring off into these vistas. Trying to glimpse some kind of signal for the future, a glimmer of hope.


Lots of close-ups of characters' faces gives the film an immediate intimacy, making them instantly relatable. Likable. With believable acting throughout, some artistic camera flourishes and a lyrical, poetic style that enhances the film, adding a layered dimension, making it more than the sum of its parts.


Credit also goes to a weird experimental soundtrack combined with some strummed Indie rock. Motlagh also has his hands in this, his band is featured prominently. But the film, especially in its quieter moments, has a dream-like quality that rewards the viewer with its insight into just trying to be able to juggle life's hardship with an innate desire to just enjoy life.


A debut well worth catching, along with the nicest Art House in town, makes it something Cinephiles can cherish and look forward to. Trailers and one short film show before the main feature, adding another reason to attend. And if anyone cannot catch this cool film series debut, more Indies are scheduled for later in the month. "Whale" is also available on DVD, now at the film's official website.


WHALE on DVD and digital download Feb 14th, pre-order now.

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Whale DVD and Poster Art



Feb 14th. 2010 is the day that WHALE becomes available on DVD (pre-order available now). I said I was going to do it, and I'm sticking with my word. There are a few real world screenings lined up in various cities, but I don't have the exact dates yet (although I should announce that shortly). DVD comes first, then real world screenings. Doing shit in reverse this time.


I think in this day and age, a product release has to be instantaneous or people will lose interest. When I first started the project, I always thought that it would be the type of film that people would watch on dvd, or on there ipod, or phone or as a download. Its a small, intimate project, and as equally appealing as theatrical screenings are, so is the thought of someone watching a movie on something like a tablet, or netbook. This is where we are at with our media, and since music easily transitioned into the MP3 age, film and its makers have to think the same way.


People have continually asked for a DVD of WHALE, and if I hold out any longer, I would be doing a disservice to myself and to the fans interested.


So, the DVD along with a digital downloadable version will be available on e-commerce sites like Amazon, Filmbaby, etc, and I will also be offering the DVD through this website and over at the WHALE website.


Along with that, several brick and mortar stores have signed on to carry the DVD. I'll make a list of those as well.


In the meantime, you can pre-order the DVD here as of now:

http://whalethefilm.squarespace.com/store/


Or just buy clicking this buy now button: