We often think of water shortage in human terms. That’s not surprising. Animals—including people— tend to look out for themselves. But Iranian filmmaker Asghar Besharati gives us a different, more hopeful perspective in “Thirst.” This entry in the Mobile Film Festival tells a surprising and touching story in just one minute. “Thirst” illuminates the Festival’s 2021 theme: “Making Peace with Nature.”  You’ll find an interview with  the filmmaker below.

Interview with Asghar Besharati

MobileMovieMaking: Where are you located?

Besharati: Qeshm, Iran.

MobileMovieMaking: What is your background as a filmmaker?

Besharati: I have been working through many years as a photographer. Then, I started making short films.

MobileMovieMaking: How did you develop your moviemaking skills?

Besharati: I have been self-instructing using experimental methods.

MobileMovieMaking: What gave you the idea for your movie?

Besharati: I had been watching birds seeking for drops of water in a photography scene. That  inspired me to shoot a short video.

MobileMovieMaking:  How did you plan the shoot?

Besharati: Of course there was first a scenario in my mind. The day after observing the scene, I started filming with the help of my family members.

MobileMovieMaking: Could you talk about how you cast the movie?

Besharati: Due to the fact the local people have been experiencing the same story in the real life, it wasn’t difficult for the actor to understand the storyline of the film.

MobileMovieMaking:  Can you tell us anything about the locations?

Besharati: It’s an alley named “Chahkouh” on the island, where I live.

MobileMovieMaking: What gear did you use?

Besharati: An Apple 12 Pro max.

MobileMovieMaking:  What are the advantages of shooting with a mobile device rather than a traditional camera?

Besharati: It is convenient and easy to be carried. Moving  devices like professional cameras can be hard.

MobileMovieMaking: How long did the shooting take?

Besharati: Four hours.

MobileMovieMaking: During the shoot, did you encounter any unexpected problems?

Besharati: Shooting birds is generally difficult, but it goes without saying that patience makes perfect.

MobileMovieMaking: What about the audio element?

Besharati: It’s the natural sound of the nature.

MobileMovieMaking: What software did you use?

Besharati: I only used Apple’s installed apps for shooting and editing.

MobileMovieMaking:  Is there anything else you want to say about the production?

Besharati: I just keep my fingers crossed for earth to be survived by all human beings around the world.

MobileMovieMaking: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out making movies?

Besharati: Daring to shoot is the first and most crucial step to start.

MobileMovieMaking: What’s the best way for readers to keep up with your work?

Besharati: Facebook? I’m on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

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The editors of MobileMovieMaking have chosen “Thirst” as the Mobile Movie of the Week.