Smile of the Mask
THIS FILM IS ABOUT A WOMAN WHO IS A VICTIM OF
ACID ATTACK AND HER FACE IS NOT NORMAL.
FOR THIS REASON IT IS DIFFICULT FOR HER TO BE
PRESENT IN THE COMMUNITY.
ALTHOUGH BECAUSE OF COVID, SHE USES A MASK
AND ENTERS THE COMMUNITY.
BUT NOW ITS THE MASK THAT SMILES NOT HER!
Interview with Writer/Director Abbas Ghazali
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wanted to be the voice of women who are victims of violence and who cannot have a normal presence in society.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The film is about one of my friends who was subjected to violence and this kind of violence happens every day and everywhere in the world, but the politicians do not want the exact statistics of these victims to be recorded.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film is about one of my friends who was subjected to violence and this kind of violence happens every day and everywhere in the world, but the politicians do not want the exact statistics of these victims to be recorded.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I have been thinking about acid attack victims for a long time and I came up with the idea of this script during quarantine because I think now is the best time to understand these victims.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Excellent. I guessed right, because after a long period of quarantine and wearing a mask for a long time, people were able to identify with the character of the movie much more easily, and I feel that I succeeded.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I got the most amazing feedback from two people. The first time when my friend who is an acid attack victim saw the movie, she was in tears and said she felt like he saw herself in the movie. The second feedback was related to Ms. Lucia Annibali, a member of the Italian Parliament, who liked the movie very much.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Because we want to be the voice of victims of acid attack all over the world
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
All of them.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
We want all the people of the world to know the hardships of acid attack victims' lives.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Did you know that there are people who are forced to always wear a mask just because of our judging eyes?
Would you like to add anything else?
I am a successful actor in my country, now I think I can turn my mental concerns into movies. And I definitely need the support of movie lovers.
Interview: September 2022
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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
Smile of the Mask
Length:
6:30 minutes
Writer/Director
ABBAS GHAZALI was born in 1985 based in Tehran, Iran.
He is one of the most famous Iranian actors who has played in many Iranian series and films.
His most essential films as an actor, featured at international festivals, include the following list: Confessions of my dangerous mind (2015): Nominee Crystal Simorgh "Best supporting actor in Fajr Film Festival
Predestination (2021): Best actor in NORGS International Independent Festival Scissor (2016): Med Film festival (Italy).
Mother, I'm Joseph (2017): Cinequest Film Festival (USA).
Parisa (2021): Las Cruces (USA)
Vaziate-e sefid (2011)
He has also done other jobs as a screenwriter and director: Please wait (2016),
Smile of the mask (2020)
Deep Sleep
Producer
Zahra Karimi
Key cast:
Zahra Karimi
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070339670695
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/abbasghazali?igshid=ODBkMDk1MTU=
Hashtags used:
#smile_of_the_mask
Where can I watch it?
Chelsea Film Festival October 13 - 16, 2022
Reading Film Festival October 27 - 30, 2022