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SAM

"SAM" is an evocative web series that delves into the lives of three young women—Sadaf, Azadeh, and Mona—living in contemporary Tehran. Despite the stringent legal restrictions that permeate their society, these women navigate the universal experiences of love, heartbreak, conflict, and reconciliation. The series captures their struggles and triumphs, offering a rare and authentic glimpse into the lives of Iran's youth.

  • Yazdan Tabrizi
    Director
  • Yazdan Tabrizi
    Writer
  • Yazdan Tabrizi
    Producer
  • Shabnam Dadkhah
    Key Cast
    "Mona"
  • Negin Tahamtan
    Key Cast
    "Azadeh"
  • Ava Tadayon
    Key Cast
    "Sadaf"
  • Salman Salehi
    Key Cast
    "Pedram"
  • Ehsan Gharehdaghi
    Key Cast
    "Amir"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    صام
  • Project Type:
    Television, Web / New Media
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    July 21, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    1,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Iran
  • Language:
    Persian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Mobile Phone, 1080
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Yazdan Tabrizi

Yazdan Tabrizi, born in Tehran, Iran, is a media production professional specializing in multi-camera direction for talk shows and live television. He studied Media Production at Toronto Metropolitan University and has since built a notable career in the industry. Yazdan has produced several short films and documentaries, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to impactful storytelling. Driven by a deep interest in people and their stories, particularly their daily lives, Yazdan seeks to connect with audiences through compelling narratives. His passion lies in utilizing new platforms to tell stories without traditional restrictions, pushing the boundaries of media creation and continually seeking innovative ways to advance his craft.

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Director Statement

In creating "SAM", my vision was to illuminate the vibrant, complex lives of young people in Tehran — lives often obscured by the shadows of political and social constraints. The web series follows the intertwined stories of three young women, Sadaf, Azadeh, and Mona, as they navigate the universal experiences of love, heartbreak, conflict, and reconciliation.
The genesis of "SAM" was rooted in a desire to bridge the gap between perception and reality. Despite the restrictive environment in Iran, the youth of Tehran are not unlike their counterparts in any other major city around the world. They dream, strive, falter, and rise again, driven by the same desires and faced with similar dilemmas. Through Sadaf, Azadeh, and Mona, I aim to present a candid portrayal of these everyday struggles and triumphs.
The process of bringing "SAM" to life was as unconventional as the stories it tells. Due to the legal restrictions on media production in Iran, we chose to film the entire series with a mobile phone, circumventing the need for official permits and allowing us to capture a more authentic, raw depiction of our characters' lives. This guerrilla-style filmmaking not only provided the freedom to tell our story without censorship but also added a layer of intimacy and immediacy to the narrative.
"SAM" is more than just a web series. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Iran's youth. It is a declaration of our right to tell our own stories, in our own voices, without fear. I hope "SAM" inspires empathy, understanding, and a recognition of our shared humanity.