We recently had the chance to connect with Armin Nasseri and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Armin, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Listening to music brings me joy, inspiration and a powerful sense of solace. I love collecting records. I love exploring new bands and different types of genres whether it’s from the underground music scene, a band from my generation or the generation before me that I never knew existed. There’s a lot of hidden gems. I also enjoy nature.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Armin Nasseri. I am an actor and filmmaker. I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I am a first-generation Persian-American. I began my creative journey in Wilmington, North Carolina before relocating to California. After attending acting school, I studied film and production at Los Angeles City College. I continued my education at West L.A. College, and upon graduating, I immersed myself in the industry, working on over 30 productions in the course of three years.
I’ve worn nearly every hat on a film set from art department, craft services, camera department, sound department, editing to producing and directing. My hands-on experience has shaped me into a well-rounded filmmaker. I chose directing as my main focus because I never saw an accurate film representation of minorities such as myself in mainstream movies and television shows.
I founded Polar Underworld Productions to challenge the narrow narratives often seen in mainstream media. My short films, Seeking Valentina and The Carting Call, feature inclusive, gender-balanced casts and intentionally reject harmful stereotypes and tropes. Both films have garnered multiple awards, nominations, and distribution, reflecting my goals to tell bold, authentic stories that resonate across cultures and identities as well as giving a voice to the voiceless.
I directed my first documentary feature George Hobbs: Stick Figure Wisdom. I produced it with Kristin West and Matt Chassin. It took my producers and I four years to make this thought-provoking documentary about George Hobbs, a multi-faceted artist, who showcased his ability by taking socially conscious messages and conveying them through simple art. I’m very humbled that the documentary has screened at film festivals both domestically and internationally as well as winning 60 awards, including the top prizes at Marina del Rey Film Festival and The Other Venice Film Festival.
Six months after completing George Hobbs: Stick Figure Wisdom, I started production on my second documentary feature Alicia Piller: Afterlife Of Objects. I made this documentary feature with my producers Todd Garner and Jo Harmon, who I previously worked with on the Aventurine music videos “Miles Around” and “Safe.” I made this documentary feature because I wanted to continue exploring the art world in Los Angeles. My producers and I were honored to have contemporary artist Alicia Piller as our subject. Alicia is an exceptional talent that has made a number of large scale sculptures with social commentary. We’re excited that the documentary feature is completed and it’s coming soon.
I’m also working on a documentary series called Searching For Goodness with my co-producer and creator Bessy Adut. We are currently filming our second season and you can watch the episodes on our Searching For Goodness YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts. Our series covers topics such as goodness, environmental issues such as climate change and global warming. We have interviewed scientists, musicians, actors, comedians, a sports photographer, a beekeeper and a transcendental meditation teacher. We were honored to have them as our guests and to get their perspective on these relevant topics, including Andrew D. Bernstein, Rodolfo Werner, Wendy Liebman and Mindy Sterling.
My goals going forward is to tell stories that showcase how we are all alike regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I give all the credit to my parents. They taught me about the value of hard work at a young age. It’s very rewarding to see your hard work pay off at the end.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
It taught me to be more humble. I learned from life experience that you are going to fail more than you will succeed. Success comes from hard work, patience, learning and sacrifice.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire someone that has integrity, humility, courage, accountability, empathy and honesty. Those character traits are all virtues.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
Making art gives me a purpose in life. Without creativity, I will always live in regret.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://polarunderworldproductions.com
- Instagram: @arminnasseri
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/arminnasserifilmmaker
Image Credits
Bessy Adut, Jeff Sherman, Tarín Bai, Todd Garner, Jo Harmon, Addison Hsiao
