Art Beats Festival

Hamideh Javadi

As a self-shooting filmmaker and film scholar, I have acquired a diverse educational background. I completed my PhD in Cinematic Arts at Ulster University in the United Kingdom, specializing in the intricate aspects of the medium. Prior to that, I obtained a Masters degree in Animation from Tarbiat Modares University (TMU) in Tehran, Iran, where I honed my skills in the art of animated storytelling. Additionally, I hold a BA in Textile and Fashion Design.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to exploring improvisational and innovative approaches to filmmaking and storytelling. My focus lies particularly in the realms of experimental films and animation. By drawing inspiration from these paradigms, my aim is to create immersive and transformative cinematic experiences that transcend conventional boundaries. Through my work, I strive to construct liminal spaces that invite viewers to engage with films in a more nuanced and creatively stimulating manner.

Halftone

Synopsis:

In the captivating world of “Halftone,” we follow the unsettling journey of a violinist. As the story unfolds, we witness his dictatorial tendencies. Fueled by an insatiable thirst for personal glory, he isolates himself from the outside world, retreating into a bubble of self-importance. Consumed by his own ambitions, he starts to suppress the voices of others, considering them nothing more than obstacles in his path to greatness.

“Halftone” is a powerful exploration of the allure of power. It delves into the complexity of human nature, shining a light on the dangers of monophonic societies where the echoes of dark ego, leave a dictator alone in a world he has constructed for himself.

“Halftone” serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of diversity and pluralism and the preservation of individual voices within a harmonious collective. The film challenges its audience to confront the darkness that can lurk within us all, and to reflect on the choices we make as individuals and as members of a society.

Director’s statement:

In “Halftone,” I set out to explore the complex and unsettling journey of a character who embodies the traits of a dictator and a self-centered individual, while hidden behind the façade of a violinist. This project is a reflection on the dark side of human nature, the allure of power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

The story of “Halftone” delves deep into the psyche of the protagonist, unveiling the inner turmoil and psychological struggles that drive him towards his dictatorial tendencies. Through this character study, I aim to shed light on the dangerous allure of control and the isolation that comes with such unwavering self-centeredness. By juxtaposing the harmonious beauty of music with the discordant tyranny of a dictatorship, the film invites the audience to confront the chilling reality of human nature’s duality.

As a director, my goal was to create an evocative and thought-provoking cinematic experience. I sought to challenge the viewers’ perspectives, prompting them to ponder the ethical implications of the choices we make as individuals and society as a whole. With this film, I hope to spark conversations about the importance of empathy, compassion, and the preservation of individual voices within a harmonious collective.

Thematically, “Halftone” delves into the universal struggle for power and recognition, touching upon the vulnerability of humanity in the face of absolute authority. It is a cautionary tale that warns against the dangers of succumbing to our worst instincts and losing sight of the true essence of art, human connection, and morality.Visually, I aimed to create a captivating and immersive experience, utilizing the medium of 2D animation to enhance the emotional depth of the story. The juxtaposition of stunning musical performances against the chilling atmosphere of control serves to highlight the emotional complexity of our protagonist’s journey.