Nasser Saffarian

Saffarian’s method of documentary filmmaking alternates between a poetic style and a more reflexive style. Those that are poetic contemplate love, loss, life, and pleasure through the use of poetry, music, and, in a few instances, politics. It is evident that he not only aims to showcase a particular, sometimes hidden truth in these documentaries but also to create a unique “feeling” in each by incorporating creative compositions and challenging juxtapositions. These documentaries are correspondingly reflexive, as Saffarian’s approach to his topics clearly indicates a knowledge of literary aesthetics. By including interviews of a close circle of acquaintances, he constructs intimate portraits and precious moments of closeness to the subject of his works. Saffarian’s mode of telling a story is singular, captivating, and full of poetic moments, and his films are undoubtedly worth watching and appreciating. His oeuvre is a testament to his sharp mind and lyrical creativity.