Watching

Afshin Rahgozar (Man)

Sahar Khoram Nejad (Woman)

Cinematograph: Pardis Azizi

Sound Engineer: Amin Sayar

Other Cast List:

Yasin Salimi

Ali Motaghi

As one of the directors of “WATCHING,” I am thrilled to offer insights into the creative journey behind this short film.
“WATCHING” emerges from a deep reflection on the erosion of privacy in the modern world, where individuals often find themselves under constant, albeit anonymous surveillance. Exploring the unsettling reality of being observed without consent, the film delves into the nuances of contemporary aggressions, especially towards women. Through the lens of an unknown stalker, “WATCHING” invites audiences to confront their own complicity in the act of voyeurism, engaging them in a chilling exploration of guilt and fascination.
Drawing inspiration from my long-standing fascination with found footage horror films, “WATCHING” embraces elements of this sub-genre to deliver a visceral and immersive experience. By adopting the raw and unpolished aesthetic characteristic of found footage, the film intensifies its sense of realism, plunging audiences into the heart of the protagonist’s harrowing ordeal.
Set against the backdrop of an environment fraught with uncertainty, “WATCHING” follows the daily life of a man who documents his existence through the lens of a handheld camera. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are immersed in an atmosphere of impending danger and palpable fear, as the protagonist grapples with the realization of being watched, yet unable to identify the observer.
The production of “WATCHING” was a collaborative endeavor marked by a deliberate artistic approach. With a lean crew of only two individuals behind the camera, including myself and the talented artist Amin Sayar, we embarked on a five-day shoot surrounded solely by the cast members. This intentional choice aimed to infuse the production with a sense of raw authenticity, mirroring the isolated experience of the Cameraman. Additionally, Mehdi Shamei, serving as the co-director, contributed his ideas primarily during pre-production and post-production phases, enriching the film with his unique perspective.
Our aspiration for “WATCHING” is to immerse audiences in a cinematic experience that not only entertains but also provokes introspection. We hope that viewers will grapple with the complexities of the circumstances portrayed in the film, prompting conversations about the boundaries of privacy, the implications of surveillance, and the moral ambiguities of voyeuristic tendencies.
Thank you for embarking on this cinematic journey with us.
Sincerely,
Pardis Azizi
Director, “WATCHING”