"Vertical" is an action movie filmed in Mexico, directed by Maryam Pirband, an LA-based, Iranian female director, and produced by Andrew Dasz, an Argentinian actor. The cast and crew are from Mexico, Argentina, Iran, Spain, Italy, USA, and other countries. The movie premiered at Toledo Action Fest in Spain a couple of weeks ago, and Officially selected into competition at Hidalgo Film Festival and will be screened in July.
Maryam Pirband, what made you decide to film in one of the most dangerous countries in the world?
I was invited by Andrew to direct this feature film, So the decision about shooting in Mexico was made before I joined the project. The locations are the actual locations of the main Altar. After reading the script and doing some research, I accepted the offer because I loved the story and later I fell in love with the locations. All my films are character based and usually about women. Vertical is about a very powerful female character while we see her culture and society.
Before this project, I went to Tijuana in person for scouting as I was writing a story and wanted to shoot in Mexico. For me, there is no dangerous place on Earth, as I have been to many places that people believe are unsafe for a woman to go alone. Despite this, I fulfilled the jobs that I wanted to do. When making my films, I do not accept any type of restrictions, I always find a way. In Vertical Andrew, our producer, supported me a lot on our different decisions. That made sense for us to film in the same location as the people this film was about. I went there a little bit before and spent time with the people to get closer to the society I was going to make a film about. On any of those occasions, I never felt in danger, perhaps because I was focused on how I was going to direct this film.
How was the process of filming in Leon, Guanajuato?
It was an amazing experience to shoot an action-adventure feature film in a short amount of time, facing many challenging situations for the crew, actors, and me. We filmed in the mountains, with most scenes taking place at high altitudes or on a thrilling suspension bridge, many of which involved fight scenes. Some people ask how I managed to direct a whole feature film in a language I don't know, especially one that combines action, horror, and drama. It was a beautiful challenge for me. I guided the actors to fit the movie's style, and they did an excellent job. I worked with a cast and crew who were passionate about the story and dedicated to their work.
Did "Vertical" meet your expectations?
Well, I am a perfectionist so I always think that we could do better but in this particular case, in VERTICAL with what I had, I mean about the budget and equipment and … Yes. Anyone who watched Vertical after they heard about how many days we shot the movie they are surprised because Vertical is very well knitted together and after watching 111 minutes, they say “Oh! We felt it was 50 minutes!” It means that they enjoyed the film and the tempo is right. I added some drama to the story and my audience will watch a part of Rita's journey with other engaging characters, with some actions and horror in that.
Can we expect more projects from you, a female Iranian director based in the USA?
I am currently working on a historical movie as the writer. The film focuses on a crucial part of world history. I have completed the first version of the script, which is 180 pages long. Currently, I am in the process of revising it. To ensure historical accuracy, I have been collaborating with esteemed historians throughout the project. This has allowed me to conduct research and work on the script simultaneously.
Can you tell us more about this project?
The only thing I can say is this film is about Cyrus the Great, the king of Persia, who made a lasting impact on the world.
Next, we have Carolina Segura, the actress who fought for her life in the film.
As a native of Mexico, what does it mean to you to be part of this film?
It was a pleasant experience to collaborate with an international production in the city that is my home. It was magical to think that, after having spent a long time in Los Angeles doing castings, as well as studying and working as an actress, this time the production came to me. Something invaluable is working with various cultures with the same common goal. Since I read the script, I felt a deep empathy with Rita, my character.
As a native Mexican, this story is important to me, because I believe that it is necessary to reinforce the idea of the strong and independent Mexican woman, in a context where male sexism has predominated.
Are you afraid of heights and fights?
Something curious happens: I trained to climb, but, as Carolina, I would have thought twice about crossing a suspension bridge of about 150 meters, and jumping more than 20 times from a zip line, but like Rita, I just assumed that I was going to do that. When you’re acting a kind of magical "yes" happens.
Fortunately, we had the guidance and experience of great stunt performers like Maryam, Andrew and Steven, who advised us on this.
What was it like working with a renowned female director known for making films about women?
First of all, I admire Maryam, her career, her strength and the type of projects she does. Working with her was very meaningful: she’s someone who has left her country despite many challenges and has dedicated herself to what is her passion, despite many things. I’ve done that too and I can connect with her.
I think Rita's character describes us to a great extent: a woman who fights, overcomes fears and faces great challenges in her life. I always felt supported and guided by Maryam.
I believe that nothing is a coincidence and I am grateful for telling the stories of strong women who represent us.
Moving on to the cast from Mexico, Alberto Lopez, tell us how you got involved in this project and your experience working with an international team.
Well, I saw a post on FB and I answered, sent my resume and photos and eventually I was in a video casting by zoom with the director Maryam and with Andrew… Days later, we had a second interview again by zoom, and the next day I was confirmed to be part of the cast. I admit that I was very excited and I got emotional… Few days later, I was in León, Guanajuato for the script reading sessions.
How was it working with a director who is the first female stunt woman in her country?
Working with Maryam was somewhat different than with anybody else I have worked with previously, you don’t always get a chance to work with a Legend! The first female stunt in Iranian history, her sole presence demands respect! But at the same time she is so easy going, always in good spirits and she laughs a lot!, which makes you feel comfortable and confident. One of the perks of working with a Director that is also a stunt is that we get to do our own stunts too! And that was very very exciting! Zip-lining, wall climbing, fight choreography and I got to be hanging from a suspension bridge 150 meters in the air… now that was scary and exciting.
Do you think this kind of project is common in Mexico?
I have not worked in a similar project before “Vertical” in Mexico, I can’t recall a similar project, I don’t think it is common.
Now, we have the chance to talk with the twins Andrew Dasz and Steven Dasz.
Andrew Dasz, you were the producer, actor, and fight choreographer. How was it juggling all those roles?
What was it like working with the only female action director from Iran?
We also know that part of the post-production was done in Istanbul. Can you share your experience working with the director and editor in that setting?
Well I knew from the beginning this will be a hard project to complete because we don't talk about shoot a couple of people sitting in a bar, we talk about fights, climbing, and mountains, also in natural landscapes, no aircon and orange juice between the takes, but I take as a challenge be producer, and I'm realizing I had some previous experience when I was in Brazil producing, no films but international events, and about be on set if feel like fish in the water, after many productions.
For another question, Maryam and I met for the first time in her previous film when it was shot in Los Angeles, California.
I was just visiting the city and the director of my first film, Stunt Games, was involved in the production, so I saw her work and I had good feelings on set.
I never imaginate she was the first action director from Iran.
But I think everything was very natural and with good flow, because she liked to do a movie in Mexico and I like the producer there "Vertical" so from there until today we have a great team where respect and care are always present.
We also know that part of the post-production was done in Istanbul. Can you share your experience working with the director and editor in that setting?
Look, if tomorrow I invite me to any part of the world to work, and always ready, I don't do tree life, I'm human, have legs and nothing is far, so when they told me about Istanbul, my mind was there already.
We had an intensive month there editing and doing all the post-production duties.
I'm learning a lot in some aspects of the technical part to deliver the final product but also learn about Iranian culture with the editor Alireza Pirband and his family.
Hope one day I can visit this country, to know more about their own culture.
And Steven Dasz, tell us about your experience with Vertical.
I remember one of the scenes of Santo and myself. I understand for that scene we need to climb some high mountain and we don't have it. Because we used that location for other scenes. So for this we decided to use a boulder.
Now, if you don't know about climbing, you may not understand what "Boulder" is. This means another kind of discipline of climbing, no ropes involved around, but also no high levels, is just short but complicated routes for creating abilities and strength. So, during some free days, I did some training to have an option to share with the director Maryam.
Please, don't confuse this with "Free Solo" discipline. Without rope, where just you alone with specific shoes for climbing and a magnesium bag, only the mountain and when mistakes happen the death is called you. Alex Honnold is well known for this and still alive.
So I am always looking to participate in a film with climbing elements. When I know about Vertical, I feel like I need to be there.
I did climbing sports, but never on a real mountain. So, the idea to have two professional climbers advisors to coordinate the scenes was great.
We also have Reza Moussavy, who played the Yayahuqui priest.
Reza, how was your experience speaking an ancient forgotten language when the priest wakes up after 100 years and needs to face the sacrifice?
Shooting at the actual location of the Altar made a big difference. The atmosphere was heavy, especially at night when most of my scenes were shot. I was lucky to work with Director Maryam Pirband again, who is used to coaching the other actors. I worked with her in a previous film. She never leaves her actors alone and is always coaching us to do our best.
I had to practice the language a lot to make sure I delivered my lines with meaning, not just correct pronunciation. Director Maryam helped me a lot by practicing with me for each scene.
Thanks to the team of "Vertical," and we wish you the best for the upcoming film festivals
