From New York to Los Angeles, actor, writer, host, and voice-over artist Nazanin Nour teams up with Iranian-Canadian recording artist Afta Hill for their conceptual short film entitled, "I Don't See The Point."
Nazanin Nour has always had an affinity for comedy and political satire, as she was trained in improv and sketch writing at the notorious Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in both NY and LA. She's also had the opportunity to appear in hit shows like Madam Secretary, Criminal Minds, and Political Animals.
Now releasing her 2-minute short film, "I Don't See The Point," Nazanin Nour initially created the concept without wanting dialogue, but music instead. The concept surrounds feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and lack of real human connection. As Afta Hill heard this, he encouraged Nour to use his song, as it would perfectly fit the theme that she was trying to convey.
Expanding on the short film, "I Don't See The Point," the video opens with Afta Hill's dreamy and emotional vocals alongside his fluid electric guitar and chilling synth arrangements. At the same time, Nazanin Nour is seen at a gathering while locking her gaze onto the camera as it slowly pans out. She stares for exactly 48 seconds until unleashing a treacherous scream while no one seems to hear.
As she later gets a phone call from a friend who invites her out to a party, a look of distress washes over Nour's face. As she jumps in the car and ponders, she snaps back into reality where she's back at a party, only to meet up with Afta Hill, where the two share a passionate and nervous stare.
Experience the highly relatable concept within Nazanin Nour and Afta Hill's short film, "I Don't See The Point," now available on YouTube.
It's a pleasure to have you with us at BuzzMusic, Nazanin. We truly appreciate the relatable theme of your recent short film, "I Don't See The Point." What inspired your initial concept? Why did you want to create this short film?
I wanted to create something that conveyed the feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and a desire for genuine human connection that was being unmet. It started out as a short film concept that I had, one in which I envisioned not having any dialogue, and it evolved into the official music video for Afta’s newest song. I had told him about this idea I had where a girl is at a party, surrounded by people, and that it would start with this close-up shot of her looking straight into the camera, forcing the viewer to hold her gaze. I wanted the viewer to feel uncomfortable, be unable to look away, and hopefully relate with the look in her eyes, her expression, her emotions. I knew that I wanted there to be this loud, pained scream, her literally and figuratively crying out for help, but nobody batting an eyelash because they’re too wrapped up in their world to notice, nor do they care to. I wanted to create this as an expression of feelings that I have definitely had before, but that became exacerbated throughout the pandemic. I felt that others would be able to relate in some way.
What was it like working with Afta Hill when figuring out how his single, "I Don't See The Point," would fit into your short film?
Working with Afta was very fun and freeing. Freeing because he is such a giving artist, and
he supports and nurtures the vision of other artists, so it was super comfortable and easy to collaborate. I truly felt like he had my back. Afta, Kia, and I got together a couple of days after I had told them about the concept, and we began brainstorming on how to expand on the original idea.
What was the shooting process like with your team and cinematographer/director Kia Mozaffari for "I Don't See The Point?" What was your experience on set?
Kia is a gem. He is so talented behind the camera. I had seen a couple of other music videos he shot for various artists, and I was really impressed and knew I wanted to work with him. He really cares about every single detail, and all of that immense focus and dedication really shines through on set. Kia and Afta had suggested that we shoot a few vignettes that would act as flashbacks. Which would break up the party scene, and would enhance the story. It also allowed a glimpse into the life of this girl on that day, which I thought was a really interesting idea. Fun fact: Kia and Afta came up with the transition idea of the scream going into the covering of the mouth and the ‘sshhh’ sound, and then straight into the water overflowing in the kitchen sink while walking down Sunset and eating In N Out. Very LA.
We shot the entire video in 10 hours, and we had so much fun. A few of my friends came through to play the roles of the partygoers, so it ended up just feeling like an LA rooftop party, albeit with lights, camera, and action. Which, honestly, is how most regular rooftop parties in LA are anyway, right?
What did you want your audience to take away from the short film, "I Don't See The Point?"
I wanted the audience to perhaps see a bit of themselves reflected back to them. I wanted them to see how genuine human connections are necessary for all of us in order to not feel like we are isolated and alone in this world. I wanted them to see that sometimes we can be in a room full of friends, family, significant others, but that we can still feel alone, or unseen. That we should all be a little softer with the people we interact with because while some things may appear fine on the outside, they could be falling apart on the inside. Also, that connecting with someone on a real human level can make you feel less alone, and truly seen for who you are. When you experience a genuine connection like that with someone, nothing can break it unless you allow it to. It’s like what we saw at the end of the video. While people were staring and walking around The Boy and The Girl, shocked and taken aback by two people who were understanding one another on a deeper level, The Boy and The Girl’s gaze remained unfazed by the moving parts around them.
What would you like new listeners to know about your music?
I would like new listeners to know that my music isn’t a product. My music will never be a monetary commodity to me. I do not make my art for the sake of money and I never will. Unlike a decent percentage of today’s artists, I will never disrespect your time by releasing half-baked ideas in nice packaging. I make all kinds of music in different genres and there’s a little something for everyone in my catalog.
Comments