For her, cinema is an art where imagination and reality meets. True to her words, the talented film maker Samira Makhmalbaff has come up with some daring and courageous outings that portrayed the astute colours of life.
“Real-life incidents inspire me. Love, humanity and kindness are the emotions that add colour to that inspiration,” says Samira.
Samira says her new movie, which will begin this month end, will reflect the same inspirational spirit.
On the influence her father, the legendary film maker Mohsen Makhmalbaff, had on her craft, she says: “He has influenced me in four different ways. That of a father, teacher, colleague (as we have worked together for some movies) and as a friend.” Asked about the ‘poetic’ beauty of Iranian films, Samira said the same can be attributed to the strict religious regulations.
“I will term the poetic nature of our films as a positive outcome of the strict religious restrictions prevailing in Iran. Due to the regulations, we were not able to think of themes which depict sex, love, violence or crime. This forced Iranian filmmakers to think of simple themes that reflect the life of Iranian people. The literary legacy of Iran is rich with many beautiful poems and some filmmakers started to explore the possibilities of visualising them in a simple and poetic manner. This style of simplicity was followed by the majority independent film makers,” Samira said.
However, according to Samira, the unwanted censorship rules turn filmmaking a bitter experience for directors in Iran.
Though her family cannot enter Iran anymore following the restrictions imposed by the authorities, Samira believes the situation will change one day and she can go back to her motherland.
Samira also says India is always her favourite place. “I will say that Indian audience has a huge love and passion for films. This itself makes India very special to me,” she added.