In an exclusive interview with the public relations of Documentary & Experimental Film Center (DEFC), Ovidio Salazar, also known as Abdul Latif Salazar, provided a glimpse into his unique background and the path that led him to documentary filmmaking. Born and raised in California, Salazar's initial connection to the film industry through his father and sister evolved as he embraced Islamic philosophy.
"I grew up thinking I would always have some part to play in film. But what happened was I got introduced to the philosophy of Islamic philosophy," he said.
His travels to France, Turkey, and eventually Cairo marked the beginning of his profound interest in Islam and the pivot towards documentary filmmaking. He believes his journey into documentary filmmaking was not a deliberate choice but a serendipitous one, driven by opportunities to explore Islam and contribute to its representation through film.
Reflecting on his participation in the festival, the American director discussed his film 'In the Footsteps of the Beloved,' a project that unfolded over several years. The documentary traces the exact locations that the Prophet Muhammad traversed during his journey from Mecca to Medina. Salazar emphasized the film's focus on migration, drawing parallels between the Prophet's forced exile and the contemporary global issue of displacement, a sentiment particularly relevant in today's world, resonating with the struggles faced by communities like the Palestinians in Gaza.
"The real message is, first of all, to remind ourselves that the journey of the Prophet was that of a migrant. And in today's world, migration is so much a topic that we mustn't forget that we're also undertaking," Salazar added.
Salazar's earlier work ‘Al-Ghazali: The Alchemist of Happiness’, a film about the Iranian philosopher Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, was a testament to his connection with Iran. He expressed gratitude to Iranian filmmaker Nader Talebzadeh, who played a pivotal role in facilitating his visit to Iran two decades ago.
When asked about the role of documentary filmmaking in understanding different cultures, Salazar commended the global platform festivals like Cinema Verite provide. He emphasized the democratic nature of documentary filmmaking, offering a voice to diverse perspectives and enabling a deeper engagement with global issues.
He stated: "It gives everyone a platform because you don't need the money that you would require to make a feature film necessarily. So it's a more democratic process."
Acknowledging the strength of Iranian film culture, Salazar expressed admiration for the country's rich narrative and documentary traditions. "I love coming to this festival and seeing for myself how well it's been represented documentary film. Participating in this festival is such an honor." He expressed excitement about the diverse films showcased, foreseeing potential inspiration for his future filmmaking endeavors.
He found inspiration in the diverse films showcased at the festival, foreseeing potential influence on his future filmmaking endeavors.
In participating in the 17th ‘Cinema Verite’ Festival, Ovidio Salazar not only showcased 'In the Footsteps of the Beloved' but also contributed to the festival's celebration of documentary cinema's power to capture and convey the essence of diverse cultures and human experiences.
The 17th Cinema Verite International Documentary Film Festival, under the direction of Mohammad Hamidi Moghadam, takes place from December 18 to 23 at the Charsou Cineplex.
By: Ehsan Padeganeh
