Born and raised in Iran, Asghar Massombagi immigrated to Vancouver in 1986. He graduated from film production and computer sciences at Simon Fraser University. Asghar’s films speak to recurring themes of exile and ethnicity. His debut feature, Khaled (Canada’s Top Ten; Best Director Award Karlovy Vary; Toronto International Film Festival FIPRESCI Special Mention; and Jutra Award Special Mention), is the story of young boy so isolated that he dare not tell the world his mother is dead.
Other work includes the short The Miracle, the made-for-TV movie Rose and CTV’s Robson Arms. Upcoming features in development include the romantic comedy Edge of the World and psychological thrillers Nights Without End and Cold Eye.
questionnaire:
– where were you born, where did you grow up, where do you live now?
I was born and grew up in Tehran, but have spent almost all my adult life in Canada, currently living in Vancouver.
– describe your current living space
Currently living and self-isolating in a condominium.
– the first film you made and where?
The first film I made was a short named The Miracle, shot it Vancouver.
– latest film you made, and where and when?
The last film I made was also a short called Rose shot in Toronto.
– worst thing about being in isolation?
The worst thing about isolation is sore low back followed by fear of weight gain.
– best thing about being in isolation?
The best thing about isolation may have been putting together this short film.
– favourite movies to watch in isolation?
Favourite movie to watch Hitchcock’s The Birds.
– whose isolation move would you want to see?
I would love to see the isolation film made by Robert Bresson.
– favourite music to listen to in isolation?
Favourite music to listen to in isolation is Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
– favourite book to read in isolation?
The book I have been reading recently is the Library of America’s Collected plays of Eugene O’Neil (read Camus’ The Plague almost 20 years ago, so nothing new there)
– favourite meal in isolation?
Favourite meal in isolation, the next meal (given the hustle to get good food).
– what’s the last best thing you cooked?
The last best thing I cooked was walnut sauce with lamb and pomegranate paste.
