Javad Daraei

Javad Daraei (Persian:جواد دارایی, born 1992) is an Iranian film director, screenwriter, and filmmaker of cinema and cinematography. He is an alumnus of IASH from the University of Edinburgh.

He is known for directing the short films “I Don’t Like Here” (2016) and “Limit” (2017), as well as his feature film debut “Metamorphosis in the Slaughterhouse” (2021). His short films have screened at several Academy-qualifying festivals. Metamorphosis in the Slaughterhouse received two awards at the 2021 Bare Bones International Film Festival.

Career
Javad Daraei, an award-winning underground filmmaker is a poignant storyteller who captures the stark realities of life in Iran. His films give voice to marginalized groups, including LGBTQ and queer individuals, people with disabilities, and women, portraying their struggles with a Kafkaesque intensity. The cinematic style of Daraei, particularly in his critically acclaimed work Metamorphosis in the Slaughterhouse, is marked by minimalistic movements and arid shots that focus on solitary figures, evoking a wealth of emotions. His commitment to filmmaking extends beyond the screen; he believes in mastering every aspect of the craft while maintaining low production costs. Despite the significant challenges he faces, such as arrests and torture by Iranian authorities, and the censorship of his work, Daraei's dedication remains steadfast. He often films in abandoned villages, adapting to ever-changing circumstances with resilience. His cinematography, characterized by restrained shots punctuated with subtle explosions of color and erratic camera movements, creates a powerful atmosphere of powerlessness and control. This not only reflects in his films but also mirrors the Kafkaesque themes of his own life, where each arrest and act of torture becomes a source of profound inspiration for his art.

Full-length films

 * Metamorphosis in the Slaughterhouse (2021)

Short narrative films

 * I don't like her (2016)
 * Limit (2017)