Talking Film With Lisa Boostani

Actually, I have never met Lisa in person. I discovered her on the Internet, on Instagram, where we find so many things these days. Lisa has one of those looks that is immediately striking—in the best way—and we’re so excited to share her style and vision with you today!

Describe yourself (where you are from, where you live, what you do).

I was born in Toulouse—in the south of France—and have Iranian-Spanish origins. I came to Paris in 2012 to attend the photography school of Gobelins. I have been working in the making of music videos, fashion and advertising films, and I also carry out a parallel personal work, where I set myself on stage, questioning and rethinking notions of identity, its modes of construction and representation.

What prompted you to pick a different creative path and do art and film?

I have always been fascinated by pictures and art in general. I began doing video and analogue photography at the age of 13. I was mostly experimenting with photo processing or trying things on video, mostly having fun. Since then, I have never stopped working in photography; I knew immediately that it was what I wanted to do.

Where does your desire to work with those “psychedelic” themes come from?

When I was a teenager, I used to work on my dreams. I was always fascinated by different possible dimensions; the idea of finding hidden truth was really exciting to me. I began an exploration of consciousness, studying the many aspects and layers of perception and exploring the altered state of being, like meditation, trance and dream, and wanted to transcribe it through my work.

Which artists and filmmakers inspire you the most?

My first big inspiration has been by the surrealist and dada movement, with artists like Luis Buñuel, Maya Deren, Claude Cahun and René Magritte. At the same time, I was really fascinated by the impulse of freedom of the psychedelic sixties and the explorations of consciousness. I love filmmakers like David Lynch, Gus Van Sant, Jim Jarmusch, Michelangelo Antonioni, Wim Wenders, Bong Joon-ho and Yorgos Lanthimos. I also really appreciate the works of Cindy Sherman as well as Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven.

Does the place you live in affect your creative process? Are there particular places that inspire you the most?

The environment affects a lot of the creative process. I feel more inspired when I’m in close contact with nature, in a peaceful environment where I have time and space to settle down. India is probably one of the most inspiring experiences I have had; everything—from the colours and smells to the sounds of nature—is made to awaken our senses.

Where does your sense of fashion and style come from and does your work ever influence it?

For me, fashion is fun; it reveals certain aspects of our personality and allows us to embody special characters. I experience it a lot in my videos when I set myself on stage. I like to play with codes and archetypes to reframe the mythical into humorous and absurd self-derision and fantasy.

Photographer: Fiona Torre

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