Sat, Aug 16th, 7:30 PM @ TCL CHINESE 6 THEATRE || #1
By Valerie Milano
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 8/8/25 – In a candid interview with the Hollywood Times, filmmaker Sarah Solemani opens up about her debut short film Mashhad, a poignant narrative produced by Reboot Studios that shines a light on the secret Jewish community in 1940s Iran. The film tells the story of Miriam, a young Jewish girl in Mashhad, who must hide her faith under the constant threat of violence. It’s a deeply personal project for Solemani, inspired by her own Mashhadi Jewish heritage and the story of her grandmother, who lived as a secret Jew following a forced conversion.
Sarah reveals that her journey to tell this story began after a near-death experience in which her grandmother’s spirit appeared to her, urging her to preserve this lost history. “It was a wake-up call,” Sarah shares. “I realized how important it was to keep alive the stories of these hidden communities, who lived with dual identities to survive.” Her film explores the complexities of faith, identity, and the generational trauma experienced by families in the region, a narrative that mirrors the experiences of Jewish communities in places like Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Yemen.
Click below for the exclusive interview:
The film features a lead actress discovered through a social media casting call, and was shot at Blue Cloud Ranch in Santa Clarita, where Sarah worked with a talented crew, including cinematographer Cristina Dunlap and editor Curtiss Clayton. Solemani was adamant about avoiding a Western aesthetic, aiming instead for an authentic portrayal of 1940s Iran & creating a world steeped in historical detail while focusing on a female-driven narrative.
Solemani explains that while Mashhad is currently a short film, it could potentially be expanded into a feature. “The themes of faith and survival are so rich, and I think there’s more to explore,” she says. The film’s delicate approach to forbidden friendship and identity resonates with timeless themes of resilience, making it a powerful statement on hidden identities, particularly at a time when stories of resistance and survival are increasingly vital.
The film will premiere at the 2025 HollyShorts Film Festival, and Solemani will be attending the screening on August 16th at the TCL Chinese Theater. She also plans to update her website with more details about the film. Mashhad is not only a celebration of her cultural heritage but also an act of remembrance, and it’s clear that Solemani’s directorial debut is one to watch for its artistry, emotional depth, and historical significance.
With Mashhad, Solemani proves herself not only as a skilled director but as a filmmaker with a deep understanding of history and identity. At just under 20 minutes, Mashhad leaves a lasting impact, offering a glimpse into a world of hidden truths and forgotten histories—one that is both emotionally intimate and universally relevant.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 stars
A must-watch at HollyShorts 2025 and beyond.
