Silent Pond Discussion Panel: Art and Experience Films Are the Mainstream Cinema
The critique and review session for the film Silent Pond was held on the evening of Monday, January 28, at Charsou Cineplex, organized by the Art and Experience Cinema Group. The event featured the film’s director and writer, Bahador Zamani (also an actor in Resurrection), producer Fariba Sadat Khalili, lead actress Farzaneh Karimianfar, and film critic Afshin Aliyar.
According to ISNA, as reported by the Art and Experience group’s public relations, Afshin Aliyar opened the discussion by stating:
“In my opinion, Silent Pond is a deeply thought-provoking and highly impactful film with a solid and powerful structure. Art and Experience films are, in fact, the mainstream of cinema.”
Emphasizing the significance of the Art and Experience Cinema Group, he added:
“I believe that if Art and Experience films were given the screen space instead of some of the pseudo-films currently dominating cinemas, audiences would gradually align with them. Perhaps people would even turn less to commercial comedies. I strongly feel that serious and thought-provoking films from Art and Experience are missing in our mainstream cinema.”
A Film That Awakens
Producer Fariba Sadat Khalili also shared her thoughts, saying:
“Contrary to its title, Silent Pond is an awakening film. I believe it is a film that brings pride to women because, in most places, when women want to start something, men take precedence. However, give any task to women, and they will undoubtedly deliver exceptional results.”
She continued:
“Silent Pond portrays the life of a highly resilient young woman who refuses to retreat from her ambitions, no matter what challenges arise.”
Regarding the film’s protagonist—a female musician and composer—she said:
“As someone who has played musical instruments for years, I immediately connected with the script. When Mr. Zamani shared it with me, I felt an instant affinity with the story.”
As a producer in both cinema and television, Khalili emphasized:
“I believe the most valuable asset in our cinema today is the Art and Experience sector, which truly showcases honorable films. While the box office today revolves around star actors and comedy-driven scripts, Art and Experience prioritizes quality. I deeply appreciate the efforts of this group, as I have watched remarkable films within this category. The level of storytelling and acting—especially by lesser-known actors—is exceptional. In fact, I have cast actors from Art and Experience films in my own productions because they are incredibly talented.”
A Clear and Cohesive Film
Director Bahador Zamani explained his approach:
“As the writer and director of this film, I aimed to make Silent Pond as clear and expressive as possible. Despite the challenges we faced—including budget constraints, a tight production schedule, and difficulties in post-production and distribution—I wanted the film to communicate its message effectively. Fortunately, given the reception Art and Experience films usually receive, I see that a good range of audiences has connected with this project.”
Discussing the film’s central themes, he added:
“The film highlights issues that hinder the growth of talented individuals in the arts. These issues exist in many fields, but they are especially visible in our industry because we operate under the banner of ‘cultural work.’”
Zamani pointed out three key concerns reflected in the film:
- The role of family in nurturing and guiding an individual’s growth.
- The collective understanding of the educational environment between students and teachers.
- The structured path for talented individuals in society and the challenges they face along the way.
“These three concerns were central to my film, but I don’t see myself as someone who provides answers. Instead, as a filmmaker, I prefer to pose questions and let the audience reflect on them.”
A Challenging Role
Lead actress Farzaneh Karimianfar shared her experience portraying the film’s protagonist:
“Our society is still deeply traditional and male-dominated. This film highlights the struggles of resilient women who refuse to give up despite the challenges of living in such an environment. Berkeh (the protagonist) is a young woman determined to reach her dreams.”
She reflected on the difficulty of playing such a role:
“For me, this was a highly challenging character to embody. Of course, we all fight for our goals in life, but Berkeh had a different temperament than mine. Additionally, the project had an intense schedule. Since this was my first feature film and I had no prior experience in cinema, the entire process was even more demanding.”
Regarding her casting, she noted:
“The themes explored in this film resonate with many women. Most of us, at some point, have spoken or acted honestly in social situations, only to have our words or actions misinterpreted. This often forces women to self-censor and adjust their behavior to avoid misunderstandings. I believe this is an issue many women can relate to, and it’s something Silent Pond addresses in a powerful way.”