Let's Go Away
About the Film
My inspiration for 'Let's Go Away' stemmed from a personal yearning—an elusive fantasy of running away, echoing themes in works like 'Moonrise Kingdom', 'Pierrot le Fou’, and 'The Catcher In The Rye'. Recognizing the familiarity of this theme, I aimed to defy expectations by infusing a layer of magical realism into the narrative—revealing the whimsicality of how decisions are made, such as running away with just a word, and the coincidence of the driver playing the same song that fueled the characters to enter this daydream and run away. Jim Jarmusch's films, especially 'Only Lovers Left Alive', influenced how I envisioned this film.
The film's original concept was set in Iran, but the story evolved during my time in Vancouver. The initial idea revolved around a couple running away from home, but as I settled into my new life, the narrative shifted to reflect my own experiences of separation and longing. The film's location, a surreal house in Vancouver, became a character in itself, enhancing the themes of escapism and longing.
My immigration to Vancouver transformed the story, to revolve around a separation, forced by distance. With me taking on the roles of both director and main actor, it added a personal touch but also posed a significant challenge, requiring a delicate balance between emotional immersion and directorial concerns. 'Let's Go Away' features carefully selected Farsi songs by an underground Folk band named ‘He and His Friends’, adding cultural richness and authenticity. While the lyrics are untranslated, they mimic what the characters are going through, which adds a bonus layer for the Persian audience while still sonically enhancing the emotions for the general audience.
The surreal atmosphere that the location infuses into the film heightens the themes of longing and escapism. The scene of the two characters running together was inspired by the location on the day of shooting, capturing the spontaneous energy and beauty of the surroundings. Additionally, the superimposition in the rooms and the use of long dissolves complemented the dreamy atmosphere and gave a sense of displacement.