Director's Works
A Good Day Will Come Amir Zargara
Amir Zargara is an Iranian-Canadian (BIPOC) writer/director, whose unique perspective is shaped by the cultural mosaic of Iran and Canada. His journey, characterized by the resilience of an immigrant and the challenges of living with a stutter, deeply influences his approach to filmmaking. Amir began his filmmaking journey with "Become the Wounded" in 2021. Since then, he has directed several shorts, that he hopes to build his feature film career on. His work has earned recognition at prestigious festivals like Amnesty, Hollyshorts, Nashville, Reykjavík, and Rhode Island, highlighting his dedication to diverse, compelling narratives. His films delve into the moral complexities faced by individuals, focusing on the gray areas of human character and advocating for empathy over judgment.
Recommended by The Black List, Top 1% of Coverfly’s Redlist, Berlinale EFM Fiction Toolbox Program 2024, Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) Talent Lab 2024, Young Director Award (YDA) 2024 – Silver Screen Award, VSFF 2024 Best Director Nominee presented by Directors Guild of Canada, Zurich Film Festival Academy 2024.
"A Good Day Will Come" was inspired by the tragic story of Navid Afkari, an Iranian wrestler unjustly executed in 2020 during a time of widespread unrest and human rights abuses in Iran. Born just a few months apart, Navid and I led very different lives after I moved to Canada, where I gained the freedom to express myself—a stark contrast to the oppressive environment back home, where people risk imprisonment for challenging the status quo.
I recognize my privilege living in a free society and feel a deep responsibility to use my voice for those who can’t. I see this project as my duty, akin to the mandatory military service in Iran; it’s my way of serving my country from afar. Initially a direct narrative about Navid, the film evolved to reflect the broader societal challenges faced by Iranians, encapsulating their struggles and resilience.
The resurgence of protests following Mahsa Amini's death reaffirms the global yearning for justice and dignity—themes at the heart of our film. Having lived half of my life in each country, I am compelled to bridge these worlds and amplify these suppressed voices.
Through this film, I aim to shed light on the endurance and spirit of the Iranian people, fostering empathy and understanding across global audiences. "A Good Day Will Come" strives to distinguish between the Iranian government and its people, advocating for human rights and unity through storytelling.
