Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Soheil Goharipour. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Soheil, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I am genuinely happy as an artist, particularly as a filmmaker and cinematographer. The prospect of a regular, perhaps ‘boring’ job doesn’t appeal to me because being an artist allows me to tap into my creativity and explore diverse aspects of the world. The moments when I’m immersed in thinking about new stories and figuring out how to bring a script to life visually are incredibly fulfilling. This process of Imagination and the freedom to explore different narratives makes being an artist so rewarding for me. The ability to create, innovate, and visually express stories uniquely and creatively is something I cherish, and it keeps me passionate about what I do.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am Soheil Goharipour, a passionate filmmaker and cinematographer from Iran. My journey in cinema began at 12 when I eagerly experimented with my dad’s analog camera, capturing moments that ignited my love for storytelling. I took my first steps into filmmaking by creating short films using my brother’s cell phone camera and my collection of toys. In 2012, I embarked on a formal education in filmmaking and cinematography, enrolling in the BA program at Tehran University of Art. Since then, my creative pursuits have thrived and evolved. I have crafted six short films and contributed my cinematography skills to over 40 projects, including short films, documentaries, and video clips. My efforts have been showcased to audiences at over 30 prestigious film festivals worldwide, earning me the Best Cinematography award on three occasions.
Currently, I am in the third year of pursuing an MFA in Film with a specialization in cinematography at Ohio University. As a cinematographer, I am immersed in pre-production and eagerly preparing to shoot my two thesis films in the spring. This exciting chapter continues to fuel my passion for visual storytelling, and I look forward to sharing my cinematic vision with the world.
As a cinematographer, also known as a director of photography (DP), I capture the visual elements of a film or video production. This includes making artistic and technical decisions related to camera angles, lenses, lighting, composition, and camera movement to convey the director’s vision and enhance the storytelling visually. The cinematographer collaborates closely with the director and other key crew members to create the project’s desired mood, atmosphere, and visual style.
What sets me apart is my unwavering passion for storytelling through the lens. I take pride in seamlessly blending creativity with technical expertise, consistently delivering visually compelling narratives. My extensive experience crafting award-winning cinematography for diverse projects showcases my dedication to the art form.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Freedom! Being an artist gives you the freedom to explore your ideas without strict rules. You get to decide what to create, how to make it, and when to work. This is the most pleasant aspect of being an artist for me. This flexibility allows for personal expression and unique, unconventional artwork. The creative process becomes an emotional journey where your experiences and emotions shape your work, enabling you to express yourself in ways that might not be possible in other aspects of life.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, my goal as a filmmaker and cinematographer is simple: to tell captivating stories that connect with people. I use the power of visuals to bring emotions and experiences to life on screen. Whether it’s through drama, comedy, or any genre, my mission is to create films that entertain, make you think, and feel. I believe in the universal language of cinema to bridge gaps and inspire understanding among diverse audiences. Each frame I capture is a step towards creating a meaningful and relatable cinematic experience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soheil.gp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soheil.gp
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soheil-goharipour-34482b175/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8890810/
Image Credits
Mina Sadeghzadeh Mehrab Pourvahdani Aram Riazi Screengrabs by Me