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Catching up with ... Ben-Hur Sepehr
SDCFF: Tell us a little about yourself, your history and your journey as a filmmaker. BHS: I studied with Ingmar Bergman and Frank Sundstrom as a very young man in Sweden. I made my first short film, “A Journey to Finland,” for which I received an award of excellence. I co-wrote and co-produced plays in “Gamla Stan Theater of Arts,” in the old section of Stockholm. I then moved on to work in the prestigious “Stockholm State Theater” and also in “Stockholm Dramaten Theater,” where I gained experienced in various positions such as Lighting Assistant, Assistant Stage Decorator, Assistant Stage Master, and Assistant Director. I was privileged to have worked with some Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish movie and theatrical Icons(writers, directors, producers, actors) such as: Frank Sundstrom, Ingmar Bergman, Jarl Kulle, Tage Danielson, Hasse Alfredson, and many others in films and stage productions such as: “Tango,” “Queen Christina,” “Love Your Neighbor,” “Peppy Long-Stocking,” “Here's Your Life,” “I'm Curious,” “Love Sixty-Five”, and “Othello” to name some.
Back home in Iran, my first job was a Production Coordinator of “The Heros,” a feature directed by Jon Negulesco and staring Stuwart Whitman, Eike Summer, and Kurt Jurgens. I then was hired by the Iran-American Society to work on stage productions, where I produced and directed many projects. I also worked on numerous Iranian film and TV projects as writer, director, and producer. I was hired by the Ministery of Culture and Education where I worked on numerous documentaries and served as a filmmaker for the late Shah of Iran.
At the dawn of the Islamic revolution, and having had to leave everything that amounted to over 5 million dollars behind, I fled to the US with my family including several loved ones and close relatives who depended on my support. I had to start all over again and so I got involved in several businesses ventures throughout the years. During that time, I made a 4 hour documentary on the history of the Jews and the creation of Israel plus two short films on the subjects of compassion for animals and the prevention of the use of guns by children. These films were well-received and appreciated by schools and libraries. I also wrote some comedy and comedy/dramas, “Stitches,” “Second Childhood,” “Temporary Arrangement,” and “The Coin,” screenplays with great potential that have not yet been produced. My last work, “The Desperate” has won over 64 Awards.
SDCFF: What can you share with us about current projects, plans for future films.
BHS: My next project after "Prophecy" will be the feature version of “The Desperate.”
SDCFF: The Desperate showed how powerful even a short film can be. Every element rang true in the story. Tell us about your approach to the making of the film. Was there a completed screenplay prior to shooting? How long did the screenplay take to complete? BHS: This one was relatively easy because it was a short and also very close to my heart. It had a lot going about it even though it was only 32 minutes. I wrote the script in 3 weeks (God was helping me as He always does). The spiritual aspect of this film was its highest point. It was about doing the right thing in life even if it’s at the most difficult time. It was about forgiveness and redemption. A pastor in DeMoines, Iowa, where I was invited ro recieve 7 awards out of 12 nominations, told me that, "I found the Bible in your film." I was blown away. In terms of the approach I took, my experience as a documentarian, a filmmaker and also a stage director, had a lot to do with it. I used all those techniques in this short film so that the audiences wouldn't feel claustrophobic. I wanted them to feel that they were present inside that room, so I used a lot of hand-held camera and moving-shots, and it worked.
SDCFF: What is your advice to people who want to create powerful stories that touch people deeply?
BHS: When i was a student of film and theater in Sweden, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave me an advise. He said, "When you become a filmmaker and make movies, don't ever forget God." That's my advise to young filmmakers. Always tell a story that comes from your heart and will make the world a better place. Be true to yourself and God and don't compromise. That's how you'll connect to people and they will identify with you and your message and will appreciate it. Always remember that the majority of people by far are good and ethical and believe in God.
SDCFF: What has been the most rewarding aspect of becoming a filmmaker? What has been the hardest hurdle to overcome?
BHS: The most rewarding for me has been telling a story that affected people and helped them to see the light and hopefully become a better person. The hardest thing to overcome is to be in the same business and work with some people who don't share your values and convictions. People who think about making a buck at any cost, even at the price of misleading our kids by promoting violence and unnecessary profanity in their movies. That has been and is frustrating for me.
SDCFF: What else would you like to share with our readers Ben-hur? BHS: It has been a true privilege for me to know you, Richard, and all the wonderful people who have worked and helped with this festival whose existence will bring education and spiritual prosperity for us all. You have your heart and soul involved and for that you will always be bless.
SDCFF: If anyone wanted to help out with the movie "The Prophecy", financially or technically, how would they do that?
BHS: By all means, if anyone wanted to help out, please contact Ben Hur Sepehr at newdawnpictures@hotmail.com.
It is an honor to call Ben-Hur a friend and inspiration and wish him well and all success his future endeavors.
We will be hosting other great films and filmmakers at SDCFF-2011 and hope you will consider joining us at this year's festival.
Dec 27-30 at the beautiful La Jolla Marriott.
Hope to see you in December! Rich Bagdazian © Glass Sea Productions, LLC - 2011
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