BFI FUTURE FILM FESTIVAL 2025
Taraneh Esmailian
Almost Intangible
FESTIVAL SCREENING
Thursday Shorts 20th Feb, 2025
FEB, 17, 2025
When they are asked to improvise during an audition, a husband and wife discover some uncomfortable truths about their relationship in the process.
Hi Taraneh, how does it feel to be at the BFI Future Film Festival this month with Almost Intangible?
Hello to you, dear Niger and your precious readers. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this festival with Almost Intangible. This marks the film’s first international premiere, which is incredibly significant for us—not only because of the festival’s prestige but also because it allows our film to be seen alongside other works. I was especially curious to see how non-Iranian audiences would connect with the story.
What does it mean to you to get this type of recognition for your film?
This recognition is deeply meaningful to me. As a filmmaker, seeing your work resonate with audiences feels like the completion of a magical process. We spent days preparing for this film, scouting locations, and planning every detail. Yet, the night before shooting, doubts crept in—was this story worth telling? Overcoming those challenges and staying true to our vision makes this recognition even more rewarding.
Unfortunately, due to the difficult conditions in Iran, neither I nor my team could attend the festival in person. This means we might miss out on future opportunities that could have arisen from this experience. Still, this screening is a beacon of light for us—a testament to what we achieved together. The film was a true collaboration, born from the exchange of ideas and shared dedication.
How important are festivals like BFI Future Film Festival, in creating a platform for short films and filmmakers?
Festivals like the BFI Future Film Festival play a vital role in supporting short films and emerging filmmakers. Short films often lack distribution opportunities, so festivals provide a crucial platform for exposure. I appreciate that this festival goes beyond screenings by offering workshops and mentorship programs, which help filmmakers grow and move forward with their next projects.
Short films are a vital medium in the film industry, yet there are few opportunities for the public, outside of festivals, to see them. What more can be done to make short films more visible and accessible to the wider cinema audiences?
While I’m not an expert in this area, I believe streaming platforms like Netflix could play a significant role by creating dedicated sections for short films. This would introduce them to audiences who don’t typically attend festivals. Additionally, expanding virtual screenings at festivals could help eliminate geographical barriers and make these films more accessible.
Can you tell me a little bit about how Almost Intangible came about?
The idea for Almost Intangible emerged during the pre-production of In the Land of Brothers, a beautiful film directed by Raha Amirfazli and Alireza Ghasemi. As assistant directors, Reza and I were involved in auditioning non-actors, which made us reflect on how people seek ways to express themselves. This sparked the idea for our own film. During development, we explored how relationships—built over time—can change in an instant.
What was the inspiration behind your short?
The concept of communication is deeply personal to me and served as the core inspiration. During quarantine, I noticed how difficult it became to connect with friends and family. We talked, but not about what truly mattered—our feelings. This disconnect stayed with me and became the foundation for the film, which explores these themes through the lens of a couple’s life and relationship.
How important is the creative collaboration between you and your co-writer Reza Baastani?
Our collaboration was seamless. It’s hard to pinpoint who did what because we created every moment of this film together. Reza’s visual expertise complemented my strengths, and his analytical approach helped refine our ideas. Most importantly, I felt free to share my thoughts without fear of judgment, which made the process incredibly rewarding.
When working on a short like Almost Intangible how close do you like to stick to you screenplay?
For Almost Intangible, sticking to the script was essential due to time and resource constraints. However, we remained open to improvisation, especially in shaping the actors’ performances. We adjusted dialogues to ensure the characters felt authentic and natural. While preparation was key, flexibility allowed the film to evolve organically.
Have you always had a passion about film?
Films have been my sanctuary since childhood, filling the quiet spaces at home. What began as a fascination has grown into a serious pursuit of storytelling. Making Almost Intangible deepened my love for filmmaking, and I see this passion evolving every day—whether as a viewer or a creator.
How much has your style and filmmaking approach changed since your first short?
A lot has changed since we made this film. Every project teaches you something new. For me, the biggest shift has been learning to collaborate more effectively. Working with Reza showed me how trust and teamwork can elevate a project. I’ve also become more attuned to how audiences respond to themes, which has made me more sensitive to the subject matter and its delivery in storytelling. I’m still exploring different forms of storytelling to find my unique voice.
What has been the most valuable lesson you discovered about yourself as a filmmaker during the making of this short?
This film taught me a lot about my strengths and weaknesses. It reinforced the importance of preparation—being well-organised allows you to handle unexpected challenges with confidence. At the same time, I learned to stay calm under pressure and think creatively to solve problems. These lessons have shaped how I approach filmmaking now.
"I’ve received a lot of valuable advice over the years, but I wish someone had told me earlier that imperfection is part of growth."
Is there any advice you wish you had been given when you started your filmmaking journey?
I’ve received a lot of valuable advice over the years, but I wish someone had told me earlier that imperfection is part of growth. I used to fear flaws in my work, but now I understand that embracing imperfection is how we evolve. If I had known this sooner, I might have been bolder in developing ideas and taken more creative risks.
Moving forward, what themes and subjects are you looking to explore with future films?
Currently, I’m intrigued by the dynamics of parent-child relationships. I’d like to explore this theme using a nonlinear narrative structure, which feels like a natural progression for my storytelling.
And finally, what message would you want your audiences to take away from Almost Intangible?
The title Almost Intangible reflects the film’s focus on fleeting moments that shape relationships. For me, it’s about those small, invisible instances that change everything. However, I don’t want to dictate what audiences should take away. I hope the film resonates with them in a way that feels personal and meaningful.