Inside Indies: Filmmaker Marjan Tehrani Discusses Favorite Films

We recently caught up with ITVS-funded filmmaker Marjan Tehrani (ARUSI PERSIAN WEDDING, P-STAR RISING) to talk about her favorite films and how they’ve influenced her style of filmmaking. Check out her top favorites below and tell us what you think.

What are your three favorite films of all-time and why? 

1. Salesman by the Maysles brothers is one of my all-time favorites! I love this film because you truly feel like you are right there with these salesman as they go door to door and live on the road away from their families. The cinematography is amazing and the pace of the editing is well done. The Maysles have definitely influenced my style of filmmaking and has inspired me to follow in the style of direct cinema (cinema verité). 

2. When We Were Kings is another classic documentary that has taught me so much about the craft of filmmaking. It is entertaining like docs should be! It has incredible storytelling with a great arc and footage that is so special and unique. This story and footage is something that I think any filmmaker would love to get their hands on.

3. Amores Perros –– I love this style of filmmaking that Alejandro González Iñárritu has brought to American Cinema. Other films that I greatly appreciate like Traffic have also used this storytelling method of interweaving different plots to tell a riveting and though provoking story. I hope to make a fiction film one day that has complex layers such as this film to make people think but also allow them to enjoy their movie experience.

What is your favorite film you've seen recently and why?

I would have to agree (that is with the million awards that this film received!) that Slumdog Millionaire is one of the best films I have seen recently. Danny Boyle did an amazing job directing this film. The casting was brilliant with the children and the the backdrop of India was exciting to see. I was on the edge of my seat through the whole film and I loved the game show story line. I am also a sucker for love stories and this was a good one. 

See other filmmakers favorite films in the latest edition of Inside Indies >>