Welcome to our new ongoing series of blog posts featuring interviews with our membership. The Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta is an artist-run co-operative that exists to facilitate and support the creation, exhibition, distribution, and preservation of independent film, video and new media art in Northern Alberta. What makes that all possible is the artists, filmmakers, and creators that are members of our society. Watch this space on #MembershipMonday as we highlight a different member weekly.
How did you start working in film and why?
I started working in film after serving at the Bahá’í World Centre for three years in Haifa, Israel. I did my undergrad in psychology and my master’s in crime science. After that, I did research in Haifa for three years and it was a very special experience for me because I got to think about the ways in which I wanted to start influencing the discourses of society and really serve humanity. I thought that film was the most powerful way to do that.
How did you find out about FAVA and why did you join?
I just happened to come across FAVA on the internet. I looked up some of the materials on social media and I thought it was a really interesting place to meet new filmmakers. I took the Video Kitchen and Main Course classes and got to work with some really interesting people. It was just such a great way to start in the Edmonton film community.
What was a great collaborative experience you’ve had on a project?
One of the best collaborations was probably working with Andrea Clark, Chase Gardiner and Tarene Thomas on a film I did called My Lyric I Never Knew, not to mention the immense musical talents, Celeigh Cardinal and Nick Samoil. I put out some casting calls on social media and I was really overwhelmed with the responses. That’s sort of where I learned how altruistic the Edmonton film community is because not only did I find people who were looking to audition, but people who wanted to serve as crew as well. That was one of my first films and people just came out to support, and I was so impressed with the Edmonton film community. Chase has been a part of the FAVA family for many years. They really collaborated with me in a way that took the project to another level. I was really grateful to see this little project get to CBC and some pretty amazing film festivals. I was also so happy to see that Andrea was selected as a finalist for best production design at the Rosie Awards this year for her work on My Lyric. Well deserved.
How has FAVA supported your filmmaking journey?
In a lot of different ways. I’ve taken their courses and try to drop in for some of the single day events where you get to immerse yourself in different aspects of filmmaking. FAVA also makes filmmaking very affordable for everybody, not just for emerging filmmakers. I think the discounted rental prices on gear make a very expensive craft more affordable. I’ve really gained a lot from being a FAVA member.
How does it feel to present your work with an audience?
I think it’s always really rewarding. You never know what your project is until it meets the minds of the audience members and you can see how they react to it. I think that projects really come to life when the audience sees it for the first time. It’s a very special experience whenever it happens.
What are you working on next?
I’m working on a few things, but the next shoot will be part of Shades of Worth which is a video series aiming to empower black women in leadership experiences. We shot one video at FAVA and we’re going to be shooting another one soon.
Where can we see your work?
Check out some of Nauzanin’s work at these links:
My Lyric I Never Knew:
https://gem.cbc.ca/media/canadian-reflections/season-1/episode-234/38e815a-01227f93164
From the Grassroots:
1844 Studios Facebook page:
