The press conference for the Iranian film “After Being In Love” was held on Sunday, 30 November at Honar Shahr Aftab Cineplex in Shiraz, with the participation of writer and director Mohammad Ali Safoora, producer Hasan Amjadi Moghadam, and cast members Mohsen Ghasabian, Asghar Khatibzadeh, and Ali Peyman.
Screening in the Eastern Vista section of the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival, the film follows a middle-aged photographer who travels with his son to prevent him from entering a hasty marriage, only to be drawn into confronting his own romantic past along the way.
Written and directed by Safoora, “After Being In Love” stars Mohsen Ghasabian, Ali Peyman, Maryam Kazemi, Asghar Khatibzadeh, and Shokouh Same. Set largely along the Chalus Road, the film blends a road-movie structure with a reflective narrative centered on memory, love, and generational dialogue.
At the beginning of the session, Safoora expressed his pleasure at attending the festival and openly acknowledged his cinematic influences. “A film ultimately introduces itself,” he said, “but I cannot hide my tribute to Abbas Kiarostami. I always try to draw inspiration from him, and it would be an honor if my films remind viewers of his work. In this film, there are many references to Kiarostami’s cinema—some conscious and others unconscious.” He added that being present at a festival closely associated with Kiarostami, and seeing the festival’s poetic approach and poster design, was especially meaningful to him.
Explaining the production process, Safoora noted: “I had several scripts that required large casts and complex production conditions, so I decided to make a simpler film—though it gradually became more complex. New stories, subplots, and characters emerged over time. One of the key elements of the film is the Chalus Road itself, which functions almost as a character. The initial idea was to document the road, and then develop the father–son story and the theme of marriage. The production took three years, during which all the villages along the Chalus Road were visited and photographed.”
Speaking about casting Mohsen Ghasabian in the lead role, Safoora said: “Mohsen and I were classmates and contemporaries. From that time, I always had it in mind that if I ever made a film, he would be the right actor. I’m happy that we were finally able to collaborate.”
Reflecting on his approach to poetic and experimental cinema, Safoora remarked: “I tell my students that they should decide early on what kind of cinema they want to make—do you want a film for a limited audience, or one people watch while eating snacks? My temperament is entirely experimental. Even this film, which may appear simple, required a very structured and academic approach to directing. Achieving simplicity was extremely difficult for me, and the découpage alone took six months. Many classical screenwriting structures are present, but this is a film that comes out of an academic background—there are elements in its form and structure that may not be immediately visible on first viewing.”
Producer Hasan Amjadi Moghadam also shared insights into the project, saying: “We were classmates with Mr. Ghasabian, and we waited nearly a year to align our schedules and make this film together. Around the world, governments often support films of this kind, but for this project, we lost public funding at the last moment, and the film was ultimately made with private investment. Shooting on the road and controlling traffic made the process extremely challenging, but those difficulties eventually turned into something rewarding.”
Actor Mohsen Ghasabian emphasized the relationship between the film and its audience. “In films that rely on stillness and lack overt tension or dramatic situations, acting and directing take a different form,” he said. “These films require patience from the audience—especially today, when attention spans are shorter and life moves so fast. In Greece, a theater performance might last several days, but now we’re told plays should be 50 to 60 minutes long because audiences no longer have the patience.”
Asghar Khatibzadeh, another member of the cast, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the film. “I would like to thank Mohammad Ali Safoora for trusting me,” he said. “I tried to give everything I had to this role. It’s often said that to reach simplicity, one must pass through complexity. This role was genuinely difficult for me because of its simplicity, and I’m glad I shared this experience with such a dedicated group.”
Young actor Ali Peyman, who is making his first cinematic appearance in the film, also addressed the audience, saying: “I have worked in theater for many years and always dreamed of acting in a good film. This role was challenging for me because it required a great deal of simplicity and restraint, whereas I am naturally quite playful and mischievous. It meant a lot to me that the production team and experienced actors trusted a young actor like me with a leading role. Taking such a risk is very valuable to me.”
The 43rd Fajr International Film Festival is currently underway in Shiraz from November 26 to December 3, 2025, bringing together filmmakers, critics, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world through a diverse program of screenings, discussions, and cultural events.
