Rising Star Ramin Sohrab On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
The Value of Networking: I wish I had understood earlier the crucial role that networking plays in the movie industry. It’s not just about talent; it’s also who you know. Early in my career, I missed opportunities simply because I didn’t reach out or connect with people who could have opened doors for me.
As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Ramin Sohrab.
Ramin Sohrab is an award-winning Actor/Writer/Director who’s latest film Layers of Lies, distributed by Freestyle Digital Media, is currently available on all major streaming platforms in the US. The film, the first Iranian/Finnish co-production is also the first action film set, and filmed, in Iran. LAYERS OF LIES was co-written by Sohrab & Chris Larsen, and produced by Jonna Enroth, Ramin Sohrab and Mohsen Sarafi. The featured cast of LAYERS OF LIES includes Ramin Sohrab (‘Sam Kashani’) and Jessica Wolff (‘Emma’). Timo and Teemu Lahtinen of Smile Entertainment are Executive Producers along with Glenn Kendrick Ackermann and David Marsh.
LAYERS OF LIES is a feature film that combines classic action drama with the power of low-budget filmmaking,” said filmmaker Ramin Sohrab. “This is not just another action movie; it is the first Finnish-Iranian action film — a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of diversity. It celebrates both cultures and brings them together in a way that has never been done before, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew to bring it to fruition.”
Born in Tehran, Iran, Ramin Sohrab, a natural born performer, moved with his family to Finland when he was 6 years old — performing in Finnish Got Talent where he advanced to the finals. Ramin moved to the US when he was 20 and trained at the famed Stella Adler Theatre. In 2017 he directed his first short film Viulu and was shown in festivals all around the world
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how/where you grew up?
Thank you so much for having me and for providing a platform where I can share my journey. I was born in Tehran, Iran, and raised in Finland, where we moved when I was just 5 years old.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I started performing in front of audiences and cameras when I was just 5 years old, showcasing my martial arts skills. I remember performing in soccer stadiums filled with people in Iran. After moving to Finland, I became more involved in TV and film, taking on roles and coordinating action for various shows and movies. This experience led me to move to Los Angeles to study acting at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting. After graduating, I made the biggest decision in my life to go back to Iran to create the first international action film over there. It was a struggle for 10 years, but I finally made my film and now, I can finally call my self a film director.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Deciding which story to share is tough: whether it’s the time I was butt naked with John Travolta in a Korean spa, or when I got arrested in Iran just three days before our filming was set to start. Let’s focus on the arrest story, although the encounter with Travolta is quite the tale in itself.
I had driven a Chrysler C 300 from Finland to Iran in 7 days because we needed to transport filming equipment, and this was the only viable option. Flights and the necessary paperwork for importing the equipment were prohibitively expensive, and our budget couldn’t cover it.
Upon reaching the Turkey-Iran border, I faced a major hurdle: the car was American-made with a V-8 engine, and initially, they wouldn’t let me through. After spending two nights at the border, I managed to convince a guard to let me enter by offering him a role as a guard in my movie. In Iran, my car was a rare sight, which led to its own set of problems.
Our filming in Iran was paused due to an injury I sustained, and I left the car there. Upon returning to resume filming, I was driving when suddenly, multiple police cars pulled me over and arrested me for car smuggling, I couldn’t help but feel like Vin Diesel in a “Fast and the Furious” movie.. There I was, in jail,
three days before filming was set to resume, with my bail set at 1 million dollars.
Thankfully, with the assistance of Finland’s Ambassador, I was released, and we could begin shooting. To this day, the car remains impounded at a courthouse in Tehran, and I’m faced with a $50,000 fine. Interestingly, you can spot the car in the film.
It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I was just starting out, I made a humorous yet educational mistake. Eager to find a director for my movie, I ended up optioning my screenplay and project to a director for only $10 — I still have that check as a memento. The twist came when they decided to remove me from the lead role, forcing me to audition for a minor part instead. It took two years for the option contract to expire before I could reclaim my project. This experience taught me a crucial lesson about the importance of clear communication and understanding in agreements. It ultimately led me to take on the director’s role myself, a decision that shaped my career in ways I hadn’t imagined.
Please tell us about Layers of Lies and the process of making this film and any difficulties in getting it to the screen?
Creating “Layers of Lies” was a journey marked by one challenge and restriction after another. There were moments when it seemed like the film would never come to fruition. The obstacles ranged from personal setbacks, like breaking my leg, to logistical hurdles, including the difficulty of obtaining permits or visas for Iran. Additionally, production had to be paused due to my arrest and the necessity of changing both crew and cast members midway through the project.
The pandemic added another layer of complexity, as I contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized for two weeks, further delaying our progress. Throughout the production, we faced problem after problem, which made the prospect of completing the film impossible. No one could believe I could ever make an action film in Iran, this only fueled my determination to complete this film.
The process of bringing “Layers of Lies” to the screen was a testament to resilience, creativity, and the unyielding spirit of everyone involved. The difficulties we encountered not only tested our resolve but also enriched the film’s narrative, embedding within it a sense of authenticity and perseverance.
As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?
Facing challenges is an inevitable part of any journey, especially in the creative and competitive world of filmmaking. My motivation comes from a deep passion for storytelling and the belief that every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow. I draw inspiration from the stories I want to tell, the people I hope to inspire, and the innovative creators who have paved the way in the industry.
Staying motivated in the face of adversity also means celebrating small victories and maintaining a clear focus on my goals. I remind myself why I embarked on this path in the first place and the impact I hope to make through my work. Ultimately, the drive to bring my visions to life and share them with the world keeps me pushing through any obstacles that come my way.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
Diversity in film and television is essential for reflecting the true complexity of our world. This representation ensures that stories are more relatable to a broader audience, promotes understanding across different cultures and identities, and drives the narrative towards a more inclusive society. By mirroring the real diversity of human experience, the entertainment industry can significantly influence cultural perceptions and contribute to a global dialogue that values and celebrates our differences.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
The Value of Networking: I wish I had understood earlier the crucial role that networking plays in the movie industry. It’s not just about talent; it’s also who you know. Early in my career, I missed opportunities simply because I didn’t reach out or connect with people who could have opened doors for me.
Rejection is Part of the Process: Realizing that rejection is not a setback but rather a crucial step forward would have significantly eased my journey. Each rejection, each ‘no,’ was actually guiding me closer to a ‘yes.’ My pursuit to obtain a filming permit in Iran serves as a good example. For over two years, I faced continuous rejections from the film committee, which meets every Sunday in a closed session to decide on permit allocations. Determined, I visited their office every Sunday for six months, hoping they would allow me into the meeting to present my case for making the very first action film in Iran. Despite repeatedly hearing ‘no,’ I persisted, sitting in the hallway behind their door week after week. Then, one day, the door opened, and a judge invited me inside. I seized that opportunity to explain why I deserved the permit. This experience taught me the invaluable lesson that perseverance in the face of rejection is not just about resilience; it’s about keeping faith in your vision until you find the right moment to turn a ‘no’ into a ‘yes.’
Patience is Key: Indeed, the industry — or perhaps more aptly, the universe — moves at its own pace, a realization that would have greatly aided in managing my expectations. The waiting game is inherent to the film industry, from obtaining permits to starting shooting, from finding sales agents and distributors to submitting films to festivals and awaiting their responses. These moments of frustration, while challenging, are part for the course. They taught me the importance of patience, not just as a virtue but as a necessary strategy for navigating the filmmaking process. Understanding that good things indeed take time, and that these waiting periods are opportunities for growth, reflection, and even unexpected creativity, has been a crucial lesson. It’s about trusting the process and knowing that, in time, every effort will find its moment to shine.
Importance of Self-Care: The intense focus on work and the constant pressure to succeed can take a toll on one’s mental and physical health. I underestimated the importance of self-care until I experienced burnout after back-to-back set backs. Taking time for yourself, whether it’s a short vacation, meditation or anything that takes care of your mental health is crucial to sustain creativity and energy in the long run.
Flexibility and Adaptability:The significance of being flexible and adaptable in the face of change cannot be overstated, whether it concerns project scopes, timelines, or creative directions. During the shooting of our film in Iran, the necessity to adapt became a daily reality. I learned to interpret any deviation from the plan not as a setback but as the Universe’s way of steering me towards a potentially better path. This mindset shift transformed my approach to filmmaking; rather than viewing changes as obstacles, I began to see them as opportunities to explore new and exciting possibilities. For instance, when unexpected weather conditions forced us to alter our shooting schedule, we discovered locations that added a richer texture to our film’s visual narrative.
Embracing flexibility allowed me to turn potential challenges into creative victories, proving that adaptability is not just a survival skill but a crucial component of creative success. This philosophy has not only enriched my projects but has also made the journey more rewarding and fulfilling.
Each of these lessons has been a building block in my career, shaping me into the filmmaker I am today.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
I recommend embracing the practice of mindfulness and self-care. Understanding that creativity flourishes not from constant exertion but from balanced cycles of work and rest. Cultivate hobbies or activities outside of filmmaking that refresh your spirit and perspective. Establish clear boundaries around your work, ensuring you have time disconnected from industry pressures to maintain mental and emotional well-being. Success is a journey, not a destination. It’s a path we walk, learning and growing with every step. There’s no fixed timeline for achievement; what matters is the experience, the lessons learned, and how we adapt and evolve. Embracing this mindset allows us to appreciate our progress, no matter how gradual, and to understand that every phase of our journey contributes to our development. Success, then, becomes a part of who we are, not just a point we aim to reach.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
If I had the opportunity to inspire a movement, it would center around harnessing the power of the Universe through mindfulness, spirituality, and the practice of manifestation. This movement would be rooted in the belief that by aligning our thoughts, emotions, and actions with the positive energy of the Universe, we can create a reality that not only benefits ourselves but also those around us.
It would advocate for a global shift towards mindfulness, encouraging individuals to live in the present, be aware of their thoughts and feelings, and understand how these internal states can influence their reality. By fostering a deeper connection to spirituality, people can explore their inner worlds, find peace, and tap into the strength that comes from understanding their place in the Universe.
This movement would aim to create a ripple effect of positivity, where empowered individuals can contribute to a more compassionate, understanding, and supportive world. By realizing our collective power to manifest change, we can tackle global challenges with renewed hope and collaborative spirit, bringing about the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Indeed, the road to success is rarely a solitary journey, and I have been fortunate to have the support of many incredible individuals along the way. I am especially grateful to Todd Brown from XYZ Films, who played a pivotal role in my career. Todd discovered me when I was just a young man in Finland, harboring a dream of becoming an action star. His belief in my potential was a turning point, opening doors to opportunities I had only imagined.
I also owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir, the talented editor behind the John Wick movies, and Sean Albertson, known for his work on iconic films like Rambo and Rocky. Their guidance, expertise, and encouragement were instrumental in helping me bring my film to life. Each of them, in their unique way, contributed to my growth as a filmmaker and as an individual.
Also Lee B Golden from Film combat syndicate who updated the fans on the progress of the film to Chris Larsen screenwriter whom Todd Brown introduced to me to help with the story of Layers of Lies.
Finnish Ambassador Keijo Norvanto. My producers Jonna Enroth and Mohsen Sarafi from Rocky Road Pictures. Nadia Davari my entreatment lawyer and Arnold Chon, Rigan Machado, Phil Tan, Ramin Boostani, Lucas Foster, Mark Hobson, Iman Kiyanoush, Niina Carita, Kirpi Uimonen, Patricia Hernandez as you see the list goes on and on.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My favorite life lesson quote is, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity,” by Albert Einstein. This has been especially relevant to me in filmmaking, where every challenge has led to unexpected opportunities. For example, difficulties in
obtaining a filming permit in Iran ultimately connected me with invaluable local collaborators, enriching my film’s authenticity. This quote reminds me to view obstacles not as barriers but as chances to grow and innovate.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
I’d love to meet Joe Rogan for breakfast or lunch. His broad range of conversations with fascinating guests has given him unique insights into life and success.
How can our readers follow you online?
I’m active on several social media platforms and would love to keep in touch with readers interested in my work and journey. You can follow me on Instagram @raminsohrab or true my website www.raminsohrab.com
Let us know where we can watch Layers of Lies.
“Layers of Lies” is available for viewing on a variety of platforms depending on your region. It is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube Movies. For those who prefer physical copies, DVDs and Blu-rays can be found in major retail stores or online marketplaces. To stay updated on all the ways you can watch “Layers of Lies,” please visit our official website or follow us on social media for the latest news and releases. www.layersoflies.com @layersoflies
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
