We asked a range of creative professionals to tell us something about their education, background and career. Todays contribution is from Norfolk based Iranian filmmaker, Vafa Bagheri

Your Background and Education

I started my journey in the film industry back in 2017 in Iran. I worked as a sound assistant and worked my way up to be a producer in Iranian shows. To gain more international experience, I made my first English-language documentary called Spring Fairy and got into Norwich University of the Arts with a scholarship. Since then, I have been working as a filmmaker in Norwich, producing documentaries like the Elm Hill series, which is also aired on BBC Radio Norfolk and covered by Eastern Daily Press. Recently, I wrote, directed, and co-produced my first short film, Will You Give Him My Prayers?, which is about Iranian queer refugees. This film is going to start its festival journey soon.

What are you currently working on

I am currently developing a documentary about the first and last gay marriage in Iran before the Islamic Revolution to touch a queer history in Persia.

What you feel the biggest barrier to having a sustained career in the arts

I think the biggest barrier for me has been the lack of openness. There have been lots of times that I had to explain myself endlessly because someone was not mentally open and ready to hear my point of view. And I think as a society, as the world, we should always practice to be more open about the world around us, about the people around us, about the cultures around us, about the languages around us.

Any advice you would provide for a student interested in entering their creative field

The world is so confusing right now, that is true. But you always have agency. No matter how much the outside world is telling you that your dreams are not valid, that your goals are not achievable, that what you want is not acceptable, you still have agency. Every moment, you have the authority to make a choice, to take a step toward your goals. Never forget that.