Discovering the Next Generation of Iranian Filmmakers©

The Persian

Director: Amir Farhang, 2019, USA, 5 minutes, Cast: Ali Washnevsky, Rob Welsh, Patrick Butetow

A wayward Iranian confronts the threat of Islamophobia in America.

Screening with: Shorts Program #2

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The Persian
Sunday, Sept. 29th, 11:00 AM
From

Amir Farhang

Amir Farhang started his professional career as a writer and creative director for top agencies such as BBH, CP+B, 180, and W+K.  His first ad wasn’t even an ad—it was a TV show for Axe and MTV called Gamekillers which enjoyed a two-year run. Following that, he created a one-hour special for NBATV and adidas called The Brotherhood as well as The Rocket Project for Sony and Discovery Channel. His passion for creative development and execution lead him to a full transition to the directing side of the business where he’s been able to bring his understanding of the client/agency relationship in order to provide a unique perspective.

In 2013 he wrote and directed the adidas-produced basketball documentary The Return that followed the comeback of Chicago Bulls NBA MVP Derrick Rose. His ‘World’s Toughest Job’ campaign for American Greetings garnered over 30 million views and won The Grand Effie, a Cannes Lion and a Webby Award. His comedic IKEA “Meet the Stars of the IKEA Catalogue’ took top honors for Best Casting for Commercial at the CDA, Clio’s, and Ciclope Awards respectively. Most recently he wrote and directed a 3-part web series for Nike and Kevin Durant and won 2 pencils at D&AD as well as 2 Bronze Lions for the American Express Jersey Assurance effort out of Momentum Worldwide. The Nike Just Do It at The Church HQ experiential installation also took him the Industry Craft Grand Prix in the same year. Narratively, his short film, The Persian, was selected for the 2019 LA International Shorts Film Festival, an Oscar and BAFTA qualifier, and he was selected to participate as a fellow in the prestigious Sony Pictures Television Diverse Directors Program, where he shadowed David Katzenberg on two episodes of Schooled, a spinoff of The Goldbergs for SPT and ABC.