My Journey and Roles
At just 17, I founded Armin Productions with nothing more than a camera, a drive to tell stories, and a deep connection to my Iranian heritage. What began as a solo effort has since grown into one of the largest Persian media companies in Alberta, a hub for visual storytelling rooted in identity, culture, and social change.
As Executive Producer and Director, I’ve overseen the development and production of over 20 short films and multiple commissioned projects, leading every stage—from scriptwriting and pre-production to post-production and distribution. My work spans protest documentaries, narrative shorts, and cultural showcases, with films like Foreign Homeland receiving international acclaim and support from Calgary Arts Development.
Under my leadership, Armin Productions has built a diverse portfolio, collaborating with global icons such as Ebi, Andy, Max Amini, and Neema Naz, while also producing promotional content for organizations like CBC News, Iran International, Radio Javan, and Calgary Stampede. Our productions have been featured in global film festivals and distributed across major platforms, consistently centering underrepresented voices—especially from the Iranian and immigrant communities.
Beyond creative direction, I’ve led the hiring and management of professionals across cinematography, sound, editing, marketing, and production design—building collaborative crews tailored to each project. We regularly post casting calls and job openings, manage outreach across platforms, and design high-quality visual materials to attract the right talent. This infrastructure has allowed us to scale operations while maintaining artistic integrity and professional excellence.
My role encompasses creative leadership, strategic growth, client acquisition, budgeting, festival strategy, and brand development—turning grassroots storytelling into an influential media force.
Foreign Homeland is a deeply personal film I wrote, directed, and produced to explore the emotional complexities of growing up between two cultures. As an Iranian-Canadian, I’ve constantly navigated the space between my heritage and the Western world I was raised in. The story dives into that duality—capturing the tension, love, misunderstandings, and generational expectations that shape the immigrant experience. At its heart, Foreign Homeland is a family drama infused with humor and chaos, reflecting the cultural clashes and emotional truths many of us carry but rarely see on screen.
The project was funded by Calgary Arts Development, whose support allowed us to elevate the production quality and collaborate with talented local professionals. Since its creation, Foreign Homeland has been recognized on the international festival circuit—winning Best Debut Feature Film at the Makizhmithran International Film Festival, earning an Honourable Mention at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival, and becoming a finalist at the East Village New York Film Festival. It has also been officially selected by the Global INDIE Filmmaker Awards, the International Celebration of Cinema, and the Vancouver International Youth Film Festival. The film’s impact continues to grow, resonating with audiences around the world who see themselves reflected in its story.
