Feature Film AFIN 232
LAYERS OF LIES
Directed by 
Ramin Sohrab
AFIN 2024 Nominee · 3 nominations
- 2024
- 1h 30m
-
Finland - English, Finnish, Persian
- G
Stills
2 frames
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Credits
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography
Synopsis
Returning to Iran after many years in exile in Finland, Sam (Ramin Sohrab) finds that he has not yet escaped his past. A shady figure kidnaps his wife Emma (Jessica Wolff) in order to drag him into a violent scheme for revenge. But Sam is a relentless fighting machine who will stop at nothing to rescue the woman he loves. When it comes to deciding their future, the past will not stand in their way…
Layer of Lies is an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride through the bustling, diverse metropolis of Tehran.
Director's Statement
For as long as I can remember, action films have captivated my imagination. As a director, my goal is to bring my vision of a proper action movie to life. Layers of Lies is the culmination of that dream - a feature film that combines classic action drama with the power of low-budget filmmaking. My experience as an actor and stunt coordinator has given me a unique perspective on the art of action filmmaking. I understand the importance of telling a compelling story while delivering pulse-pounding action sequences that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Layers of Lies is not just another action film - it is the first Finnish-Iranian action film, a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of diversity. It is a movie that celebrates both cultures and brings them together in a way that has never been done before. Making this film has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew to bring it to fruition. My hope is that Layers of Lies will inspire a new generation of action filmmakers and demonstrate the limitless possibilities of low-budget filmmaking.
What makes this one special
- Nominated in 3 AFIN categoriesBest Film Editing · Best Production Design · Best Visual Effects
- The only film from Finland in AFIN's archive
- A first-time filmmaker
From the Judges
From the Judges
The cinematography is vibrant and full of colour, held in confident wide framing that lets the fight choreography read cleanly, and the editing keeps that work sharp and legible throughout. Crossing its narrative between Sweden and Iran gives the action an unusual reach, opening a window onto the differences between two cultures. Add a strong soundtrack and a committed lead performance, and it lands as an intense, propulsive thrill ride.
Director's Biography
Ramin Sohrab Director
Ramin Sohrab, a new insightful director and actor, is renowned for his exceptional skills in martial arts and stunts. Born in Tehran in 1985, Ramin began his training at the age of four under the guidance of his father, Alireza Sohrabzadeh, a master of Shaolin Wushu who introduced the discipline to Iran and trained thousands of students. Ramin Sohrab and his family moved to Finland in 1990, where he spent his formative years. Ramin’s passion for performance led him to participate in numerous movies and TV shows, as well as showcase his talent in performances around the world. Seeking to further develop his skills, Ramin moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and enrolled at the prestigious Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theater, a distinguished institution where iconic actors such as Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro, Benicio Del Toro, and Mark Ruffalo had previously studied. After honing his craft, Ramin graduated from the academy in 2011, marking the beginning of his career. Following his graduation, Ramin devoted himself to building his career as a director and actor in the motion picture industry. He successfully led the development and production of the first-ever Finnish-Iranian action film, which was filmed in Tehran and starred a strong western female lead. Adding to this milestone, the film was produced by a female producer, making it a groundbreaking achievement for Ramin and the Persian film industry as a whole. Layers of Lies’ has been making waves in the festival circuit, having garnered an impressive 13 awards so far, including accolades for best directing, best feature film, and best cinematography. His achievements have also caught the attention of the Golden Globes, and he is featured in an article about his unbelievable journey of making the first Finnish-Iranian action film. Ramin’s artistic abilities, combined with his martial arts expertise and his passion for storytelling, have won him numerous awards for his films. He continues to break new ground and push boundaries, as he seeks to bring unique stories to life on the big screen.
Trailer
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LAYERS OF LIES was an official Nominee for Best Film Editing, Best Production Design and Best Visual Effects at the AFIN International Film Festival 2024, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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