How the Director’s Grandma Inspired Her to Make ‘Agnes & Amir’

When filmmaker Leila Rahimi set out to create her latest movie, Agnes & Amir, she drew deeply from her own family history. The film, which has been gaining attention at several international festivals, is rooted in the life and spirit of Rahimi’s grandmother, whose resilience and warmth left a lasting impression on the director.

Finding a Story Close to Home

Rahimi recalls that the idea for Agnes & Amir emerged during a visit to her grandmother’s home. “I was struck by the way she welcomed everyone, regardless of their background,” Rahimi explains. “Her kindness and openness made me realize there was a story worth telling.”

The film centers on Agnes, an elderly woman who forms an unexpected friendship with Amir, a young man new to her neighborhood. Their connection, which transcends age and cultural differences, mirrors the relationships Rahimi witnessed in her grandmother’s life.

Capturing Authenticity

To ensure the film felt genuine, Rahimi spent months interviewing her grandmother and other family members. She wanted to capture not just the events, but the emotions and small gestures that defined her grandmother’s character. “It was important to me that Agnes felt real, not just a symbol,” Rahimi says.

• Conversations over tea became script material
• Family photo albums inspired several scenes
• Her grandmother’s favorite sayings were woven into the dialogue

Bringing the Characters to Life

Rahimi cast veteran actress Marta Novak as Agnes, believing she could embody the warmth and humor of her grandmother. For Amir, she chose newcomer Farid Alavi, whose performance brings vulnerability and hope to the role.

“Watching Marta and Farid together on set was like seeing my grandmother and her friends all over again,” Rahimi shares. “There was an instant chemistry that made every scene feel alive.”

Challenges Along the Way

Filming presented its own set of challenges, particularly when it came to recreating the atmosphere of her grandmother’s home. The production team spent weeks sourcing vintage furniture and décor to match the original setting. “We wanted viewers to feel like they were stepping into her living room,” Rahimi notes.

A Universal Message

Though the film is deeply personal, Rahimi believes its themes are universal. “At its core, Agnes & Amir is about kindness and the connections we make, even when we least expect it,” she says.

The director hopes audiences will see a bit of their own families in the story. “If viewers leave the theater wanting to call their grandmother or reach out to someone new, then I’ve done my job,” Rahimi concludes.

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