We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful SOHEIL GOHARIPOUR. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with SOHEIL below.
SOHEIL, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
In situations where I’m the only one who looks like me in a room, I have learned to turn my uniqueness into an asset for personal and professional growth. Confidence and self-awareness are key—I embrace my identity and know my strengths. Being culturally competent and communicating effectively helps me connect with others, fostering an inclusive mindset. Building relationships, seeking mentors, and adapting to different working styles are crucial for success. Professionalism, promoting inclusivity, and continuous learning are priorities for me. I see challenges as opportunities for growth, and I lead by example, encouraging a culture that values diversity. I believe my unique perspective strengthens the team and the organization as a whole.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey in academia and the film industry began 12 years ago at the Tehran University of Art in Iran, where I focused on filmmaking and cinematography. In the years since, I have created six short films and worked on around 40 projects as a cinematographer, exploring various genres. While my main focus has been cinematography, I have also delved into directing, screenwriting, and editing to enhance my storytelling skills. As a director of photography (DP) or cinematographer, I am most excited about visually narrating compelling stories and shaping emotions through camera work, lighting, composition, and movement. Currently, pursuing an MFA in Film at Ohio University, I have directed and shot numerous projects, earning recognition with the best cinematography award for a film I was director and cinematographer. We also had the screening of our 2nd-year film production at university, in which I had three short films as a DP . Now, I am in pre-production for two thesis films; one explores a man’s journey to embrace his sexuality, while the other delves into the struggles of a teenage girl dealing with her sister’s mental health issues.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey in directing and cinematography, three key factors have been crucial: mastering the technical aspects, nurturing a creative vision, and excelling in teamwork. Understanding camera operations, practicing consistently, and staying updated on industry trends have been vital for technical proficiency. Creatively exploring storytelling through various mediums and collaborating with diverse talents have shaped my artistic vision. Effective communication and teamwork are equally essential, requiring strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities. For those starting in this field, my advice is to keep learning, build a portfolio, seek mentorship, network within the industry, and stay resilient when facing challenges – a combination that has proven effective in my directing and cinematography journey.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I believe it is crucial to balance focusing on our strengths and working on areas where we are not as strong. While playing to our strengths is excellent for success, being well-rounded helps us adapt to different situations. Early in my cinematography career, I struggled to light a scene and make my ideas work. Instead of ignoring it, I decided to invest time in improving by being more present on set productions, reading about lighting techniques, watching behind-the-scenes content, and closely observing the works of great cinematographers. This proactive approach enhanced my lighting skills and reinforced the idea that acknowledging and working on our weaknesses can lead to significant improvement. So, finding a middle ground ensures we’re not just good at one thing but can handle various challenges, turning weaknesses into strengths through dedication and learning.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soheil.gp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soheil.gp
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/soheil-goharipour
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8890810/
Image Credits
Morvarid Moradifar Screengrabs from my works
