Aryasb Feiz is an Iranian Animation Filmmaker. He developed a passion for animation through classic Disney and Pixar films. After studying painting and Animation, Aryasb transitioned into an animation supervisor, founding BadStache in 2014. Aryasb has taught character animation to a new generation of animators. His short film Mr. Indifferent, with over 250M views teach kindness worldwide. His latest short film, Tomorrow, won Best Animation qualifying it for the Oscars. Aryasb’s commitment to storytelling and animation, especially in Tomorrow, reflects his experiences and passion for Iranian culture and youth.
indieactivity: How did you get into directing? How would you describe your style?
Aryasb Feiz (AF): My journey into directing began at age 20 when I collaborated with two college friends on an experimental short film and edited a couple of music videos. However, it wasn’t until I was tasked with directing the trailer for a TV animation film at Tuca Animation Studio that I began to see directing as a serious pursuit. Up until that point, I had primarily focused on character animation. That project challenged me to convey an engaging story within a minute or two, using only the available shots.
My style is heavily influenced by my background in animation, particularly in character acting and editing. I believe in the power of juxtaposition—placing one element beside another to create a new meaning. My storytelling approach emphasizes emotional depth and narrative through subtle character performances and precise editing choices
Without giving anything away, tell us a little bit about the script, how did you come up with the idea?
Aryasb Feiz (AF): I have always been intrigued by moral dilemmas. In school, teachers would pose challenging questions about right and wrong that left a lasting impression on me. For instance, I recall being asked, “What would you do if you found a bag of money but had a sick family member who needed it?” It was quite profound for a seven-year-old to grapple with such questions.
The Official Trailer for Tomorrow Directed by Aryasb Feiz
The core idea for Tomorrow stemmed from a personal story about a colleague whose son required a life-saving medication, which he could only obtain illegally. This forced him to navigate dangerous streets in Tehran, raising questions about the relationship between morality and the law and how far we are willing to go for our loved ones.
Additionally, I have a lifelong passion for thrillers, so we aimed to create a gripping story set in Iran that centers around this moral dilemma. The blend of suspense and ethical complexity allows for a rich narrative that resonates on multiple levels.
Who is “Tomorrow” for? Who do you think would enjoy it the most?
Aryasb Feiz (AF): I aimed to create an animation for older audiences. Contrary to popular belief, animation is not solely for children or families; it is a versatile medium capable of conveying stories across all genres. I believe there is a significant gap in animations targeting adult viewers, and Tomorrow seeks to address that. I think anyone who appreciates thought-provoking narratives, complex characters, and moral dilemmas will find something to engage with in this film
How long did it take to make the entire film?
Aryasb Feiz (AF): We began working on the animation several years ago, but the production faced multiple pauses due to various factors at our studio, Badstache. These included the need to create Mr. Indifferent, gather funding, and the impact of COVID-19. I set a high standard for the film, which made it challenging to find artists in Iran who could deliver that quality on a limited budget. Consequently, I had to train many artists to meet our standards. In total, I estimate our active time working on Tomorrow to be around six years.
How long was the post-production process?
Aryasb Feiz (AF): We initiated the post-production process simultaneously with production. In fact, during the final year, we were actively engaged in both aspects. This concurrent approach allowed us to streamline our workflow and address any issues in real-time.
What are your goals with “Tomorrow”?
Aryasb Feiz (AF): We are currently in discussions with distribution companies. My primary goal is for audiences to watch the film and engage with its themes. I am eager to see how viewers react to the story and the moral questions it raises. Ultimately, I hope Tomorrow sparks meaningful conversations and resonates on a deeper level.
What’s next for you? What are you working on right now?
Aryasb Feiz (AF): I am currently juggling multiple projects, which I find both exciting and challenging. I am adapting a short novel into a short animated script, working on a pitch for a feature film, and developing ideas for an animated series I’ve had in the works for years. Additionally, I am in the process of immigrating to the U.S., which involves a considerable amount of work. I will need to determine which of these projects attracts interest and investment.
What would you recommend to a new director at the beginning of his/ her journey? Any special courses, workshops, helpful books they can read?
Aryasb Feiz (AF): There are numerous excellent workshops and books available today, making educational resources abundant. My primary advice for new directors is to start making films as soon as possible, even on a very low budget. The first few films are often sketches that help you explore possibilities, ask critical questions, and learn the craft. Avoid the temptation to aim for perfection or create a masterpiece right away. Instead, view each project as a stepping stone toward your goals. Embrace the learning process, and remember that every film you make contributes to your growth as a director.
Who is your favorite director? Why?
Aryasb Feiz (AF): I have several favorite directors, each bringing something unique to the table. I admire Spielberg’s masterful mise-en-scène, the rhythmic storytelling of David Fincher, and the dark comedic tone of the Coen brothers. I’m also inspired by the thought-provoking narratives of Asghar Farhadi, the playful style of Tarantino, the candidness of Scorsese, and the boldness of Kubrick. Each of these directors has influenced my filmmaking approach in different ways.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Aryasb Feiz. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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