Mani Mehrvarz
Iranian videomaker
biography
Interview: 10 questions
Tell me something about your life and the educational background?
My undergraduate experience was a life changing opportunity because it created a career path
for me and provided the essentials and foundations for solidifying my areas of interest as an artist. Since 2004, my different courses of action in design highlighted me and hence I participated in a great number of exhibitions and workshops in Iran. In 2012 I felt confident to leave my established position in Iran and continue my education. Indeedbegin a new path in Europe was the right decision. So I moved to Poland and graduated in Master of Intermedia in University of Arts in Poznan.
When, how and why started you filming?
I have started working as a video artist and director since I moved to Europe from Iran.
What kinds of topics have your films?
So far, I have grown an in-depth interest for exploring themes such as history and nostalgia, specifically in art. Based on my previous research, I propose a ground on which a link between (moving image media) video and history can be made. My current curiosity
has forwarded me to find some relevance among subjects such as interactive video, non-linear narrative, database theory and random access, the notion of post-history, and documentary film.
How do you develop your films, do you follow certain principles, styles etc?
I don’t follow any rule. I develop my project during the process of filming or editing. Although I have always a first draft in my mind for every project, I don’t force myself to create an artwork exactly according to the first thought.
Tell me something about the technical equipment you use.
There is no any limitation to use different techniques for making an experimental video in my view. The originality is more important than technique.
These days digital technology is dominating also video as a medium. In which way the digital aspect is entering the creation of your videos, technologically and/or conceptually?
I believe that video, as itself is a new media. The new technology is a new function of video medium and moving image .
How do you finance your films?
The first source of financial support comes from my different activities as a teacher in the field of new media or working as a graphic designer.
Do you work individually as a video artist/film maker or do you work in a team? if you have experience in both, what is the difference, what do you prefer?
There is no limitation but I prefer to work with small group. First I will try to establish friendship good friendship and then I can trust other members of my group.
I think if we want to lead a group of people we should trust them and accept their ideas and if we believe that art work which we are going to make, is pretty much related to a personal experiment, it would be better to do it alone.
Who or what has a lasting influence on your film/video making?
It is really hard to say, but recently Wilem Flusser’s text influenced me a lot.
What are your future plans or dreams as a film/video maker?
In my experiences toward a video/film making, I hope to explore more closely the ways one may create new reality in regard to the notion of history based on the ground I have already built in my video practices.