ifilm's exclusive interview with Mohammad-Hossein Latifi

In an exclusive interview with ifilm, noted Iranian director Mohammad-Hossein Latifi responds to queries on his directorial career.

Latifi began his artistic endeavors with painting and sculpting and then turned to producing animations.

He was a member of the audiovisual animation division of the Center for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults in Iran.

Latifi has made some movies such as ‘Speed’ (1996), ‘Sunglasses’ (1999), ‘Iranian Girl’ (2002), ‘Girls' Dormitory’ (2004), ‘The Third Day’ (2006), ‘Forced Blessing’ (2007), and ‘Paris to Paris’ (2010).

In 2000, he was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Iran Cinema Celebration Awards for ‘Sunglasses’. ‘The Third Day’ won him a Fajr International Film Festival Crystal Simorgh for Best Director in 2007.

Latifi has also made a number of series, including ‘The Magic Coat’ (1998-1999), ‘Neighbors’ (2000), ‘The Green Journey’ (2001-2002), ‘Great Escape’ (2004), ‘Vafa’ (2006), ‘The Spiritualists’ (2006), ‘A Stairway to Heaven’ (2009), ‘Heart of Ice’ (2010-2011), ‘Made in Iran’ (2011), ‘Chimney’ (2013), ‘A Time to Love’ (2013), and ‘Leila's Loneliness’ (2015).

Below are selected parts roughly translated from the original interview conducted by ifilm in Persian.

ifilm: Mr. Latifi, you managed to make films in various genres, grabbing the audience attention to a large extent. Why do you keep experiencing different genres as many helmers prefer not to change their film categories.

Latifi: From my perspective, directors who are good at one movie style do not necessarily opt for staying in the very same genre. When I made ‘The Doormat’ comic series I received criticism as to why the director of ‘The Third Day’ decided to helm such series. I believe that we are not supposed reach the audience with just one genre. 

ifilm: How come you made ‘The Doormat’ after a long hiatus. Going into this, were you thinking of the possibility that your audience reception might be at stake?

Latifi: Well yes, since I don’t do any project without pre-plan. My concern in this project was to come up with a series all viewers can relate to. I always do my level best seeking even the slightest effect on my audience. Indeed, I would like to fulfill my commitment as a film director. 

ifilm: What are you doing these days, careerwise?

Latifi: I am doing a new TV series with social content. The series is set to be ready before the holy month of Ramadan.

AG/AG