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Soul Compass

Logline: A poor wanderer's journey for treasure transforms into a spellbinding quest of self-discovery, leading him where he least expected.

Synopsis: A poor wanderer embarks on a quest for treasure, only to find himself on an unexpected journey of self-discovery deeply rooted in the wisdom of Rumi's poetry. As he navigates through trials and tribulations, he uncovers profound truths about himself and the world around him, guided by the echoes of centuries-old teachings.

Maziar Ghaderi's innovative blend of emerging technology breathes life into this timeless narrative, weaving together classical storytelling with LiDAR scanning.

This story invites young audiences to ponder the eternal quest for purpose that shapes our very existence.

  • Maziar Ghaderi
    Director
  • Project Type:
    Animation
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 29, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada, Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Maziar Ghaderi

Maziar Ghaderi is an acclaimed director, writer, producer, and multimedia artist, known for his groundbreaking work in film, multimedia, and interactive technology. With a rich background in media production, Maziar skillfully captures the zeitgeist of our modern era through thought-provoking social commentary, employing metaphors, epiphanies, and critiques that resonate deeply with audiences.

His remarkable portfolio has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions and curated events across North America, Europe, and West Asia, earning recognition from esteemed institutions such as the MIT Media Lab and Columbia University. Maziar's productions have been featured in prominent platforms including CBC, The Creator's Project, Deadline, VICE, Toronto Media Arts Centre, Blast Theory, The Globe & Mail, CBC Radio, Toronto Life, The Georgia Straight, Newsweek, The Washington Times, The Irish Times, National Review, WIRED, and SIGGRAPH.

His films and staged-works have screened at renowned venues such as Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, Tokyo International Short Film Festival, New York Tri-State International Film Festival, and notably at the Yorkton Film Festival, where his directorial debut film, "Finding My Father," was nominated for Best Documentary in the Arts/Culture category.

Maziar's journey has taken him to various corners of the world, each experience shaping his artistic vision. From filming obscure shorts in Vancouver to selling phrasal verbs in Brazil and even donning cotton diapers in Tehran, his diverse background enriches his artistic expression. Fluent in English, Brazilian-Portuguese, Spanish, and Persian, Maziar's global perspective enhances the depth and universality of his work.

With a remarkable body of work spanning multiple mediums, Maziar Ghaderi continues to push artistic boundaries, captivating audiences with his insightful storytelling, and offering profound commentary on our contemporary world.

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Director Statement

"Soul Compass is inspired by the profound wisdom of Rumi's timeless 13th century poem, 'In Cairo Dreaming of Baghdad, In Baghdad Dreaming of Cairo'. It was eye-opening to uncover that this archetypal hero's quest was the original muse for Paulo Coelho's widely popular, 'The Alchemist'!

I, like most people, wasn't aware of this.

My aim is to pay homage to this rich moral teaching by anchoring it within its original Persian context through the lens of my artistic practices in new media and creative technology.

I'm thrilled to further explore the fusion of LiDAR scanning and experimental 3D animation techniques to design visual tapestries that seamlessly harnesses classical narrative structures into new, emergent forms!

Soul Compass invites audiences of all ages to reflect upon the universal pursuit of meaning that guides our very souls."

- Maziar Ghaderi
Toronto, February 2024