The Lone Maverick of Iranian Independent Cinema
In a cinematic landscape where collaboration is often seen as the key to success, Keivan Mohseni stands apart. He is a filmmaker, but not in the traditional sense. He is a writer, director, cinematographer, editor, producer, and even distributor—all rolled into one. His films are high-energy, visually striking, and rich with the tension and movement often reserved for big-budget productions. Yet, he operates within the constraints of independent filmmaking, relying not on resources but on sheer willpower, ingenuity, and an unwavering belief in storytelling.
In this episode of Cozy Corner with Hossein Nasiri, we had the privilege of diving into Keivan’s world, exploring his journey, his process, and the philosophy that fuels his relentless pursuit of cinema.
A One-Man Orchestra in the World of Film
Keivan likens his filmmaking process to that of a one-man orchestra—playing every instrument, conducting every note, and crafting a symphony out of solitary effort. His journey began in Gerash, a small town in southern Iran. Unlike Tehran, where competition pushes filmmakers to create out of comparison, Keivan found that being in his hometown allowed him to work in solitude, relying solely on his internal drive. “When I leave Gerash, I feel like I lose something,” he says. “I’ve never been able to make films anywhere else.”
This deep connection to his hometown is not just sentimental; it is fundamental to his creativity. The geography, the isolation, and even the language—his scripts are often written in Achomi, a local dialect—form the foundation of his stories. His films feel grounded, raw, and immediate, creating an aesthetic that is uniquely his own.
Cinema as an Act of Survival
Keivan’s independence in filmmaking was not entirely by choice—it was born out of necessity. When he started, he lacked access to professional cinematographers, editors, or large-scale production teams. Instead of waiting for the right collaborators to come along, he took matters into his own hands.
“I wanted to make a film, but there was no cinematographer. So I thought, why not shoot it myself? I wanted to edit, but there was no editor. So I learned to edit.”
This DIY approach might sound like a limitation, but for Keivan, it became his greatest strength. His self-reliance has allowed him to maintain complete creative control over his work, ensuring that every frame, every cut, and every shot carries his signature style. In the process, he has cultivated a filmmaking method that is efficient, adaptable, and innovative.
His work has drawn comparisons to Robert Rodriguez, the American filmmaker known for his guerrilla-style filmmaking. Rodriguez famously made El Mariachi on a shoestring budget, doing everything himself. Keyian operates in a similar way but within the Iranian film industry—a space where high-budget productions are often seen as the only viable path to success.
