Interview with Hamidreza Yeganeh director of "Vantablack" short film

-What was your motivation for making the film

From the beginning, this film was supposed to be a mid-term project of my workshop. When the idea of the film came to my mind, I said that it would be great if a person likes to do something, to do it in the best way. That's why I used a professional and experienced crew.

- How did the idea of the film come to you?

3 years before the filming, I was working for some time around the same location of the film in the grand bazaar. I had heard the story of the film from one of the nearby shopkeepers. Later, when my directing classes and training started and I was supposed to make a film, I thought that this is the best social issue to make a film about. However, we faced many obstacles to making such an issue in Iran.

- What is your main goal of filmmaking in Iran?

Of course, for anyone interested in cinema, his biggest goal is festivals and awards like Oscar and Cannes.
But above all this, my personal goal is to be able to say many things that I have to say through cinema.

- How concerned is the subject of the movie and why did you choose this one?

As I said, I heard about the subject of the film from a worker in the city. I think cinema is a good place to show the realities under the skin of the city.

- How did you come to this cast and crew and what are your criteria for selection?

The day I seriously decided to make the film professionally, I consulted with my friends. Some actors were introduced. Some actors auditioned and some had experience in cinema and television. After seeing the resumes of the people who were introduced, we decided on the final selection.

- What were the Problems with the film production?

There were many problems in the way of film production. From the non-issuance of a filming license due to the subject of the film, to the problems that were due to my lack of experience.
I think problems and challenges always exist. We should see them as a stepping stone for future work and greater experiences.

- Tell us about the positive points and good memories in making, producing, writing the script, finding the crew, or any other subject that can inspire the filmmakers.

The most important positive point in this path was for me. I realized that I can do what I want. This has increased my self-confidence and peace for the rest of my life. If I want to say about good memories, I can point out that in some scenes we did not expect some events at all. But those events happened and made the movie more beautiful and perhaps made the most lasting scenes of the movie. In my opinion, these events are not by chance. When you insist to do something, the universe will help you. 

- Tell us about the film funding and the challenges.

The biggest problem for independent filmmakers is the lack of sponsors and funding. I didn't have anyone to help, I didn't have much financial ability at that time.
I was forced to work in a company and worked for 4 months and saved whatever income I had so that I could make my film. Even at that time, I had cut ties with my friends to eliminate extra expenses.

- What are your expectations of your movie?

When I made this film, I had neither experience nor a correct view of film production.
For this reason, there may be some defects. But with all these flaws, I would like my work to be seen, even if only a little so that people can face the reality that exists in our society but is hidden or ignored.

- What are your expectations of your movie?
Finally, while thanking everyone who helped me make this film, I also thank those who threw stones and blocked my path in any way. Because they made me understand my true strength and know how much potential I have.