Filmmaker Mohammad Gorjestani, director of the SXSW Grand Jury Award-winning documentary short *Exit 12*, is preparing for the fall release of his feature debut *From the Mat*, which explores wrestling in Iran. He is also continuing to tour the installation “1-800 Happy Birthday,” dedicated to Black and Brown individuals killed by police. In an interview, Gorjestani reflects on diaspora, double consciousness, and his creative process, emphasizing the importance of making work free from dominant cultural interference.
This article matters because it profiles an emerging visual artist and filmmaker whose work bridges documentary, installation, and social commentary, addressing themes of identity, grief, and community. Gorjestani’s practice—spanning film, installation, and wrestling coaching—highlights how contemporary artists are engaging with diaspora experiences and systemic violence, making his story relevant to broader conversations about art, activism, and cultural memory.