An elderly photographer who loves his pet canary more than anything becomes jealous when a young boy makes a connection with his bird, creating a "love triangle.”

Interview with Director/Producer Ameneh Moghaddam

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you! Well, this film was my thesis and I had the idea of the story in the back of my mind for years. When I brought it on paper, I loved how the story turned out. It compares two different lonely generations, both young and old.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

For it's a simple yet deep story. I want the audience to see how a common thing can bring two generations together. In order to keep a person’s memory alive through his or her legacy, it should be left behind with someone who cares and loves for it. Even though they are different, they are more similar than people think.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Love is born out of loneliness and solitude is born out of love. Over time, people realize this in their own lives too.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

I had the idea for the movie for a while and I started out my script and worked on it progressively at Loyola Marymount University. With comments from my professors and classmates, I revised my script and film and refined it to the best of my abilities.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Thankfully, I have received very positive feedback! My film was nominated at three festivals and many audience members have told me that the film in total was very influential! They commented on its simple yet effective story, strong performances, captivating music, and aesthetically pleasing cinematography.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Honestly, not really. The feedback was very similar to my own point of view. It was interesting because some people’s feedback went even deeper than I had in mind.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

My goal as a director is to make movies that are seen and that influence many people from around the world. I think www.wearemovingstories.com is a great platform for that.

Farewell My Bird director/producer Ameneh Moghaddam.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

In order to spread my film’s message, I need sales agents, buyers, and distributors to come on board. I, not only want to spread this film’s message, but I am looking for producers for my next project, which is a feature film!

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I want my film to have a positive impact and I want it to influence people to always love each other, even if they are alone. I want people to think about things that they might have ignored and passed by easily in their lives.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Does the man die? I have left that up to the audience, but I have received many questions regarding this. :)

Would you like to add anything else?

I want to thank the Cannes Short Film Corner for selecting my film and I encourage people who have access to see it! I also want to thank you for choosing my film to be a part of your website. I am honored to have this opportunity to talk more about my movie and I sincerely hope that the people who watch it, enjoy it.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am in the process of polishing my script for a feature film based on the life of an injured pilot during the end of a war. I am looking forward to bringing producers on board for this project!

Interview: May 2016

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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Farewell My Bird

An elderly photographer who loves his pet canary more than anything becomes jealous when a young boy makes a connection with his bird, creating a "love triangle.”

Length: 22 mins

Director: Ameneh Moghaddam

Producer: Ameneh Moghaddam

About the director and producer: Ameneh Moghaddam is an Iranian actress, writer, director, and producer. She graduated in Iran with a BA from the film and television university and with an MA in film production from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She has worked as a producer and director for her three short movies.

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Producers, buyers, sales agents, and distributors.

Funders: Self-funded

Made in association with: Loyola Marymount University

Release date: May 2015