Who We Are:
Immigrant Filmmakers Organization (IFO) is a group of people in the media, film and creative industries who have experienced migration. It is an organization for artists by artists.
Migration has an in-depth influence on people’s lives. The migration process itself is very stressful, can affect the well-being of immigrants and their families. The grief reaction will last longer affecting filmmakers’ productivity if a common ground is not found. Like many immigrants, artists have lost their established network in their new country of residence and they have to start the journey from the scratch in a new environment.
However, because of relocation, artists go through various challenges and obstacles. As a result, many independent artists might not be able to see the light of day during difficult times. And, with the industry being so competitive, many artists might not be able to get into their fields of profession, compounding it to even tougher challenge. However, as in any society, arts and cultural activities help define identities, individually and collectively; As such, we believe artists can find creative solutions by sharing their challenges within their network that carry similar aspirations.
Through this network of Immigrant filmmakers and media artists, we could all connect with each other, introducing our work, sharing our ideas and experiences in a more welcoming environment. This network would not only create a positive atmosphere to help artists in gaining a better understanding of the key issues they face as immigrants, but it would also be a hub for talented individuals and industry insiders from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
And, we’re all passionate about promoting our voices.
Migration has an in-depth influence on people’s lives. The migration process itself is very stressful, can affect the well-being of immigrants and their families. The grief reaction will last longer affecting filmmakers’ productivity if a common ground is not found. Like many immigrants, artists have lost their established network in their new country of residence and they have to start the journey from the scratch in a new environment.
However, because of relocation, artists go through various challenges and obstacles. As a result, many independent artists might not be able to see the light of day during difficult times. And, with the industry being so competitive, many artists might not be able to get into their fields of profession, compounding it to even tougher challenge. However, as in any society, arts and cultural activities help define identities, individually and collectively; As such, we believe artists can find creative solutions by sharing their challenges within their network that carry similar aspirations.
Through this network of Immigrant filmmakers and media artists, we could all connect with each other, introducing our work, sharing our ideas and experiences in a more welcoming environment. This network would not only create a positive atmosphere to help artists in gaining a better understanding of the key issues they face as immigrants, but it would also be a hub for talented individuals and industry insiders from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
And, we’re all passionate about promoting our voices.
Mission:Immigrant Filmmakers Organization (IFO) seeks to connect and motivate immigrant filmmakers and artists so they can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the different ideas, stories and cultures within their network.
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What We Do:
We seek to build a secure platform with multiple possibilities for all immigrant filmmakers and artists to share their thoughts, knowledge, experiences, insights and stories that play an important part in improving individual and organizational productivity.
The network, thus, help artists to advance their careers while experiencing cultural bereavement and cultural identity through a new light in their chosen homeland.
Our primary goal is to promote immigrant artists and connect them with services offered by various organizations whose mandate is to support artists. We want to make sure that creative immigrants have more opportunities to showcase their talent, gain exposure and receive recognition for their work.
The network, thus, help artists to advance their careers while experiencing cultural bereavement and cultural identity through a new light in their chosen homeland.
Our primary goal is to promote immigrant artists and connect them with services offered by various organizations whose mandate is to support artists. We want to make sure that creative immigrants have more opportunities to showcase their talent, gain exposure and receive recognition for their work.
Mahboubeh Honarian is an award-winning documentary filmmaker with over 15 years of experience. She obtained her BA. in Media and Cultural Studies and her MSc. in Engineering Multimedia, all in the United Kingdom. Since her graduation, Mahboubeh has produced and directed a broad range of TV Series and one-off documentaries. In addition to being a filmmaker, Mahboubeh has also been engaged with building communities through various social/cultural activities. She has been a jury member for several international film festivals. Mahboubeh is a member of the ‘International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ (Emmy), USA.
Rozette Ghadery is a cinematographer, filmmaker and graduate of MFA in Film Production from York University. Her grasp of the technical complexities of digital cinema is matched by her persistence and determination. The aesthetic and technical quality of her award winning works is a testament to her expertise in directing, 2D/3D cinematography, editing and sound design. Rozette is also a painter and a poet. Her practice in both fields has greatly contributed to the lyrical filming style and the sensual visual approach that distinguish her film work.
Mohsen Gholamzadeh is a director, cinematographer and editor. He has been involved in more than 21 documentary films and 25 TV series as Producer, Writer / Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Narrator and Host in Live TV Programs.
The IFO Story In The Founder’s Own Words :
As an immigrant, I have gone through many challenges – adapting to a new culture, homesickness, struggling with alienation, you name it. I have also had the opportunity to hear the stories of many different immigrants that have endured struggles.
It always fascinates me how similar the struggles of different immigrant artists are. Because of relocation, many of them have lost their established network and comfort zone in their new country of residence and now have to start the journey in a new environment.
I believe that if we share our experiences, we could make it easier for ourselves to deal with migration more easily.
That’s how the idea of establishing Immigrant Filmmakers Organization (IFO) came to me a couple of years ago in Toronto, where I currently live and work as a filmmaker.
Mahboubeh Honarian
Documentary Film Producer/Director
It always fascinates me how similar the struggles of different immigrant artists are. Because of relocation, many of them have lost their established network and comfort zone in their new country of residence and now have to start the journey in a new environment.
I believe that if we share our experiences, we could make it easier for ourselves to deal with migration more easily.
That’s how the idea of establishing Immigrant Filmmakers Organization (IFO) came to me a couple of years ago in Toronto, where I currently live and work as a filmmaker.
Mahboubeh Honarian
Documentary Film Producer/Director