Experiencing Interruptions?

When There Were Trees

Azar (82), a former actress, learns of the passing of her lover. With the help of a traveling theater troupe, she embarks on a journey to find the woman she was forced to leave because of society’s taboos. Her journey allows her to reflect on her past and her regrets, but instead of death, it brings her life.

  • Shahin Gorgani
    Director
  • Shahin Gorgani
    Writer
  • Mehrnoush Alia
    Producer
  • Hoori Etesam
    Key Cast
    "Azar"
  • Shahab Paranj
    Music
  • Sepideh Abdolvahab
    Edit
  • Hamed Hosseini Sangari
    Director of Cinematography
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Vaghti Derakht Bood
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    LGBTQ, drama, romance
  • Runtime:
    21 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 8, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    7,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Country of Filming:
    Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Language:
    Persian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Outfest
    Los Angeles
    United States
    July 16, 2023
    World
Director Biography - Shahin Gorgani

Shahin is an independent filmmaker, musician, and actor from Iran. His focus is stories about identity, regret, and death. In the United States, he had concerts with many accomplished Iranian musicians such as Grammy-nominated Keyhan Kalhor and Shams Ensemble in venues like Lincoln Center NY, Library of Congress and Davies Symphony Hall. He was an actor in three plays by Bahram Beyzaie, Iran’s most prominent contemporary playwright and director. Shahin received his Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from UC Davis and worked in a couple of start-ups in Silicon Valley. With those achievements in life, his true passion has always been to become a filmmaker and tell a story. His experiences include teaching at CalArts and a juror at Guadalajara International Film Festival. He holds an MFA in the Film Directing Program at CalArts. Shahin is currently teaching at University of North Carolina School of the Art.

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Director Statement

When There Were Trees underlies the following themes: death, regrets and sexual identity in modern Iran. My film will seek an answer for what happen in a traditional and religious society that suppresses its individuals to conform with social norms and deny their own identity, someone falls in love with the same sex. In this piece, I wanted to share how I see the beautiful yet diverse Iranian landscapes, literature and more importantly the people. My profound emphasis is on scrutinizing Iranian culture and its shortcomings when it comes to the subject of sexuality and identity. My biggest dream is When There Were Trees find its impact on the younger generation to overcome their fears of pursuing who they are regardless of norms and rules already made up for them and challenge the older generation’s mindset. In addition, to present to the world what Iran looks like besides what they have seen.