Conversations with Diana MMS

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana MMS.

Diana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
“Once upon a time in the heart of Iran, between the peaks of Alborz & Zagros Mountains, a bustling metropolis known as Tehran existed. In 1995, a young girl named Diana was born into the vibrant tapestry of Persian culture. She was a reflection of the city itself: resilient, spirited, and filled with an unyielding love for her family.” 

Lol that was a fun introduction. Now, let’s get serious about where I come from and how I ended up here! I grew up in a family of 4 with strict rules; however, I believe I have a total of 18 aunts and uncles! And each one has its own family… so imagine how chaotic our gatherings could be! My relatives are mostly traditional thinkers. Thankfully, my parents are open-minded through resourceful readings & travels outside of Iran’s border. The story of my growth begins with the courageous act of leaving Iran on an adventure to become a filmmaker at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. 

My inspiration to pursue a career as an architect stems from a deep interest in Iranian family traditions and the structural environments I grew up in. This journey is shaped by two distinct environments: 

1- The house lovingly crafted by my maternal grandparents stood as a testament to their impeccable taste in art. I remember immersing myself in the timeless elegance of the tiny plaster sculptures around the corners of the ceiling. You could smell the velvety white flowers & hear the motionless birds tripping underneath the chandelier. I cherish the memories of the night gatherings we had with certain customs, such as sitting around a low table with a heater, drinking tea with saffron rock candy, eating nuts, and chit-chatting. Drawing inspiration from our Persian poetry, I used to orchestrate imaginative plays with my cousins. We would wear Grandpa’s suit, add Grandma’s makeup, and take props from around the house to prepare. 

2- Simultaneously, the modern Iranian house I was born and raised in, built by my parents & Architect Kalhor, showcased a contrast between tradition and innovative forward-thinking. The curved walls growing out of every corner taught me that “not everything has to be square! What about circles? I like circles…! 

Driven by a desire to craft Iranian spaces that honor the past, embrace the present, and inspire the future, I have experienced a beautiful journey as an Architect. The juxtaposition of the two environments fueled my passion for storytelling. 

Now, let’s delve into why I chose filmmaking! 

Back when I was a little Dolmeh (meaning little), my brother and I would wait for months to quote on quote “secretly” get access to uncensored, original foreign movies that are not allowed in Iran. We would spend hours getting lost behind the scenes of Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Kill-Bill, Matrix, ET, and The Lord of the Rings. I was amazed by the special effects and production values that I had not seen in Iranian movies. Sometimes, the national TV would stream foreign films, but we couldn’t understand anything… body parts are censored with a block of color, the stories are cut short so you can’t fully understand what is happening, and the image quality is low, so you can’t see the work that has been put into the production design…! 

Entering the world of mystery and excitement allowed me to acquire information in a cinematic view. I became knowledgeable about different cultures, concepts, viewpoints, and history…not to mention that’s how I learned English! 

I was introduced to topics that are not openly discussed in Iran, such as women’s rights, freedom of speech, mental health issues, intimate relationships, gender diversity, and discrimination. 

My parents’ passion for Iranian storytelling allowed me to participate in a weekly hobby with them: Iranian movie nights! To name a few of my favorites: “Taste of Cherry” by Abbas Kiarostami, “The Pear Tree” by Dariush Mehrjui, & “A Dragon Arrives!” by Mani Haghighi, & “Mirror” by Jafar Panahi. 

Iranian films are often humanist social dramas rich in political subtext and culture. Although they must pass heavy censorship laws, the limitations have created opportunities for Iranian directors to use creative and awe-inspiring ways to tell important and difficult stories. The unique style of storytelling native to Iran has inspired me to become a filmmaker and build bridges between Iran and the rest of the world. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“Against a dark door, I have rested my forehead tight with pain. 

I rub my thin, cold fingers 

against this door in hope.” 

A Poem for You, by Forough Farrokhzad 

Living in the beautiful country of Iran is like “Alice in Wonderland.” Growing up as a female, I’ve encountered various challenges that shaped my perspective on life. The education system was significantly challenging… Despite my artistic aspirations and ambition in school, I faced social restrictions that limited my freedom of expression and opportunities for personal growth. 

For example, inspiring writers, filmmakers, and artists are banned at the Library, Cinema, and school. I highly recommend everyone to read Sadegh Hedayat’s magnificent literary work “The Blind Owl,” & Iraj Pezeshkzad’s coming-of-age novel “My Uncle Napoleon”. 

I’ve witnessed female friends and family members struggle against discrimination and inequality. Finding the strength to speak up and the resilience to accept specific rules is like: I’m driving on the Silk Rode to gain knowledge and listening to the soothing melodies of Googoosh. Suddenly, a pebble rolls, and I manage to skip it… but then a huge stone crosses my path, and I almost lose control of my wheel… 

A book I recently read which helped me to understand the dynamics of Iranian women’s lives to a certain extent is called “Zan-Madar” by Roya Monajem. 

In the Spring of 2022, I got accepted at USC School of Cinematic Arts. Therefore, moved from Iran to LA to pursue my master’s degree in film & TV production. Living in a new environment with a different culture allowed me to learn more about people, shape my own identity, and discover aspects of myself that I may not have encountered elsewhere. Although America’s movie industry was successful in selling the “American Dream,” I learned that no one rolls a red carpet in front of you. I have to work hard & stay motivated in order to survive here! I have freedom of speech… not %100, but a little is better than none! I’m allowed to ride a scooter to campus… with wind in my hair… and no one is judging me…and if someone is judging me, I simply don’t care…! Oh, and I can watch Mama Rue’s Drag Race shows without breaking any censorship laws! 

Although it has not been a smooth road, every difficulty has taught me a lesson that fuels my storytelling. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a filmmaker specializing in Production Design. Additionally, I’m a Photographer & an Architect. From a young age, creativity and appreciation for art flowed like a gentle river through my daily life. 

The creativity comes from my father. In 1973, driven by his vision of boundless opportunity and determination for a brighter future, he moved from Iran to the US. After receiving his BS in Chemistry, with an MS and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from USC, he was compelled to return to Iran to save his family. Witnessing my father’s innovative thinking naturally influenced my mindset to be organized, responsible, and detailed in my work. Therefore, my determination to overcome challenges, along with my ability to envision creative possibilities, sets me apart from other filmmakers.

On the other hand, my mother was a natural Artist. She studied BFA in Textile Design back in Iran. Whether through traditional techniques or innovative methods, she infused her work with cultural richness. I remember going on adventures in the bustling Tajrish shops, searching through hundreds of buttons just to find a single one she approves of! Immersing myself in the beauty of her vision allowed me to grow as an Art Director by learning color, proportion, delicacy of a work, step-by-step thinking process, etc. When I’m working on set decoration, I’ve learned from her to do thorough research about the subject, be courageous about my decisions, and work hard to bring our team’s vision to life! 

When I entered my teenage years, my brother, Ahmad, had to flee Iran because men were required to serve in the military. He is one of the most talented and the kindest brothers I had the opportunity to grow with and learn from! Being separated from him was heartbreaking. Ahmad’s love for Video Games led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Interactive Media and Game Design at USC School of Cinematic Arts. He is one of the reasons I gained courage to follow my filmmaking dream. 

One of the projects I’m incredibly proud to be a part of is a Virtual Production short film that’s currently in production. Written & directed by myself, “Grandma’s Forgotten Creators” follows the granddaughter finding a mysterious creature at her grandmother’s house. This Dramedy is set in a real Iranian location, 3D-scanned to be the world of our little human animations. By transporting viewers into a captivating world, I am pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Iranian filmmaking. The juxtaposition of the grandmother’s traditional home with the discovery of the imaginary creature adds layers of magical depth to the narrative, while the comedic characteristics of the granddaughter infuse the story with warmth emotions. 

What’s next?
By drawing inspiration from the Iranian & American culture I grew up in, I’m focusing on writing Iranian American scripts. Simultaneously, a couple of Production Design projects are happening in Summer of 2024, which I’m excited about! 

In the future, I look forward to collaborating with my fellow filmmakers at USC and bringing the set to life through my weird vision and unique choices. I’m eager to expand my horizons and collaborate with new filmmakers as well. Some of the Production Designers I dream of working for are Ruth De Jong for “Nope,” David Wasco for “Kill Bill,” and Anna Pinnock for “The Grand Budapest Hotel”. Additionally, I want to write an Iranian-American TV show, continue photography, and hopefully organize an Art Exhibition of my own works.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dianamms.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianammsadeghi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-mir-mohammad-sadeghi-b67408273/