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By Aparna Ajith and Anand S

“You can’t be alone in this world,” says Kupal, the Kazem Mollaie film in the World Cinema category of the 22nd International Film Festival of Kerala (Iffk).

The Iranian multifaceted filmmaker, who has brought out the subtlest of emotions with vibrant creativity, shared his thoughts and ideas with the Iffk’s Official Media Cell members.

Kupal received many accolades and laurels at its Indian premiere at the Kolkata International Film Festival. How do you feel?...

IffkKazem Mollaei said that making films in Iran was very difficult because of the existing restrictions. Kazem Interview-compressed.jpgBy Aparna Ajith and Anand S “You can’t be alone in this world,” says Kupal, the Kazem Mollaie film in the World Cinema category of the 22nd International Film Festival of Kerala (Iffk). The Iranian multifaceted filmmaker, who has brought out the subtlest of emotions with vibrant creativity, shared his thoughts and ideas with the Iffk’s Official Media Cell members. Kupal received many accolades and laurels at its Indian premiere at the Kolkata International Film Festival. How do you feel? I feel really honoured and proud at my film making it to this prestigious festival. I watched my film with the audience, and their perception and reaction really made me ecstatic. The people here are just amazing. The hospitality and how they treat us, make me happy. The quality of films being screened is supreme, and I’m delighted that Kupal features among them. It gives me boundless joy. How was Kupal born? Ahmad Kupal, who is so full of ego, is a symbolic character. His life, choked with loneliness and solitude, is something many can relate to. I know four ‘Kupals', and of these, I was able to tell two that they are not the only ones. What matters the most for me is personality. Rather than a colossal theme or a story, I wanted to canvas the subtlest and gentlest of human emotions, and that’s how my Kupal was born. Remember, you can’t live alone in this world. What were the challenges that you encountered in the making of this film? See, back in Iran, things are different. There are a lot of restrictions and limitations, which my words fail to convey. Most of the films that are being screened here will never be in Iran. We have very less freedom, and if we cross the red line, the film is instantly boycotted. I dream of bringing my art, moreover genuine and real art, to my countrymen but I really am not sure of materializing it. But we never give up, we don’t leave Iran. From another perspective, the restraints bring out the best of the creative souls in us, and my bold journey continues. What do you think about the Indian scenario with regard to Padmavati? There are many challenges and religious regulations persisting in my country. As I said, the scenario here is much better, and here people have the courage and liberty to express their emotions freely. Creative voices should never be caged. Majid Majidi, Asghar Farhadi, and Jafar Panahi, are a part of the active vocabulary of Indian movie-buffs. So, when can we expect a joint venture of yours with India? I love the atmosphere here. The warmth of the people makes me want to come to this land again. The Iffk audience really did receive world-class films with all their hearts, and I bet this is going to be one of the grandest and the world’s most celebrated film festivals in the very near future. And about working in India, I hope someday I will come across a producer with whom I can collaborate. We’re looking forward to that. What is your message to this global community? You can’t be alone in this world. Enanble Notification: NoTnm Marquee: No...