Ramin Sohrab

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your background in filmmaking?

I’m Ramin Sohrab, an Iranian-Finnish filmmaker with a deep passion for martial arts and action cinema. My journey began at a young age, training in martial arts under my father’s guidance. I later studied acting at the Stella Adler Academy in Los Angeles, which ignited my desire to direct and produce films. Combining my cultural heritage and my love for action, I embarked on creating unique cinematic experiences.

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What inspired you to become a filmmaker, and how did you get started in the industry?

My inspiration came from my dual cultural background and my martial arts training. I wanted to create films that blend Iranian and Finnish elements while showcasing dynamic action. My journey began with acting, but my passion for storytelling and directing grew during my studies at Stella Adler Academy. The lack of action films in Iran and Finland motivated me to pioneer this genre in my homeland.

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What was your motivation behind creating this particular film?

“Layers of Lies” was born out of my desire to tell a story of redemption, revenge, and love. Inspired by films like "Taken" and "John Wick," I wanted to create a unique action film that bridges Iranian and Finnish cultures. The film reflects my personal experiences and the challenges I've faced, making it a deeply personal project.

 

Did you face any challenges during the production process? If so, how did you overcome them?

Absolutely, we faced numerous challenges, including cultural differences, bureaucratic obstacles, and even accidents and illnesses. Starting from scratch with no blueprint for action filmmaking in Iran was tough. We had to be creative and adaptive, teaching action filmmaking on the job and modifying the script to meet cultural restrictions. Our team’s resilience and innovative problem-solving were key to overcoming these hurdles.

 

Can you discuss the creative decisions you made while developing your film, such as the visual style or narrative approach?

Creating “Layers of Lies” involved making several creative decisions to navigate cultural restrictions. For instance, we avoided direct physical contact between actors and found innovative ways to portray action scenes. These decisions were crucial in maintaining the film’s authenticity while adhering to local norms. Our narrative approach focused on a gripping, fast-paced storyline that keeps the audience engaged.

 

Are there any specific themes or messages that you aimed to convey through your film?

The film conveys themes of redemption, the struggle to face past traumas, and the power of love. It’s a story of overcoming personal and cultural obstacles, reflecting my own experiences and challenges. I wanted to highlight the resilience and strength required to overcome adversity.

 

How do you feel your film stands out from others in the same genre or category?

“Layers of Lies” stands out due to its unique blend of Iranian and Finnish cultural elements and its pioneering role as the first Iranian-Finnish action film. Our innovative approach to overcoming production challenges in a restrictive environment adds a layer of authenticity and uniqueness that sets it apart from others in the genre.

 

What do you hope the audience will take away from watching your film?

I hope the audience appreciates the film’s authenticity and the perseverance required to bring such a unique project to life. I want viewers to be inspired by the story of overcoming personal and cultural obstacles and to resonate with the themes of redemption and resilience.

 

Can you share any interesting or memorable experiences you had while making this film?

There were many memorable experiences, including dealing with a broken leg during production, COVID-19 setbacks, and navigating bureaucratic challenges in Iran. These hardships added layers of complexity to the film’s production, but they also made the journey incredibly rewarding.

 

What are your aspirations as a filmmaker, and where do you see yourself in the future?

I aim to continue making films that bridge cultural gaps and tell unique, compelling stories. I see myself pushing boundaries and creating more innovative films that challenge and inspire audiences. My goal is to establish a strong presence in the international film industry, bringing diverse cultural narratives to a global audience.

 

Are there any filmmakers or films that have greatly influenced your work?

Yes, films like “Taken” and “John Wick” have significantly influenced my work, particularly in terms of narrative and action choreography. These films inspired the style and approach of “Layers of Lies,” and I admire their ability to blend intense action with compelling storytelling.

 

Have you participated in any other film festivals or competitions? If so, how was your experience?

“Layers of Lies” has been shown at various international film festivals, where it has received positive feedback and multiple awards, including Best Feature, Best Cinematographer, and Best Director. The festival circuit has been a rewarding experience, offering valuable exposure and recognition for our hard work.

 

Is there anything else you would like the audience and the film festival organizers to know about you or your film?

I want to express my deep gratitude to the small group of dedicated individuals who believed in my vision and helped me overcome the numerous obstacles we faced during production. “Layers of Lies” is a testament to our collective perseverance and creativity, and I hope it inspires others to pursue their dreams despite the challenges.