By Nora Titus
I fidgeted nervously in the corner of the West Van Library, waiting for the arrival of my interviewee, Pasha Eshghi. Having heard so many wonderful things about his work, I was eager to meet the young man behind the creations. Right on schedule, Pasha walked in and peered over a sea of heads, looking almost as anxious as I. I waved him over and extended my hand, “Hello Pasha, how nice to finally meet you!” He shook my hand and replied with his own warm hello, settling into the armchair next to mine. “So, what would you like to know?”
I fidgeted nervously in the corner of the West Van Library, waiting for the arrival of my interviewee, Pasha Eshghi. Having heard so many wonderful things about his work, I was eager to meet the young man behind the creations. Right on schedule, Pasha walked in and peered over a sea of heads, looking almost as anxious as I. I waved him over and extended my hand, “Hello Pasha, how nice to finally meet you!” He shook my hand and replied with his own warm hello, settling into the armchair next to mine. “So, what would you like to know?”
Reassured by his easy demeanor, I asked him to tell me a bit about himself. “Well there’s not much,” he laughed, “but let’s see. I went to Collingwood from grade one till grade 12 and absolutely loved it. My family is originally from Iran, but I was born and raised in Vancouver. Oh, and I really like watching and playing hockey and tennis-- being active is an important part of my life. More importantly, I need to have fun!”
It was now my turn to laugh; his relaxed approach on life was indeed refreshing. “Let’s talk about art, what does it mean to you? Did anyone inspire you?”
It was now my turn to laugh; his relaxed approach on life was indeed refreshing. “Let’s talk about art, what does it mean to you? Did anyone inspire you?”
He reflected silently for a minute, tracing the pattern of the armchair with his fingers, “ For me, in the field of filmmaking, art is a form of entertainment. It’s about putting people in the seats (or these days behind their computer screens) and presenting a product that somehow emotionally moves them whether it be through drama or comedy, and leaves a lasting effect on them. I have to give huge credit to Collingwood’s own Michael Wener, as if it wasn’t for him and his Drama course I’m not sure I’d be pursuing film like I am today. In terms of directors I look up to, Christopher Nolan is definitely one of my favourites. His films share this energetic, gritty and intense feel that draws you in as a viewer and doesn’t let you breathe until the final credits roll.”
Okay, so maybe he wasn’t so relaxed… but the intensity of his work was quite impressive. “What types of films do you enjoy creating?”
“I personally like making action and/or comedy movies; these are what I am currently working on. Everybody likes to laugh, and it’s my job as the director and writer to bring those laughs to the audience. I always loved watching big budget action movies, and I think creating a synergy between action and comedy results in a wonderful product that can be both dramatic and exhilarating while still being light hearted and playful. I am in the final editing stages of my first “professional” short film named “Reap The Ruby”. It is, as you could have guessed, an action comedy about a jewel thief planning for his next and greatest heist when suddenly his deadbeat brother shows up, sees his plans and forces himself onto the heist. The film will be screened at UBC’s POV film festival in April.”
“That must be so exciting!” I exclaimed, perched on the edge of my seat. “Please tell me you’re going to pursue film for a long ways to come.”
He nodded and smiled, “I hope to keep making short films and continue to refine my work for the time being. Ideally, I see myself working in Los Angeles in a few years to continue pursuing this. I hope to one day be making feature length films, and not necessarily only action or comedies.”
After the interview, I sat in awe for a few minutes, trying to absorb the grandeur of his determination and plans. The best of luck to you, Pasha!
After the interview, I sat in awe for a few minutes, trying to absorb the grandeur of his determination and plans. The best of luck to you, Pasha!