Exclusive Interview With Talented Filmmaker Manoosh Nabavi Chief Operating Officer Of Cinema Town Studios in Los Angeles 

In the bustling city of Los Angeles, where dreams and creativity converge, there stands a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. At the heart of this vibrant hub of entertainment lies Cinema Town Studios, a revolutionary movie studio that has reshaped the landscape of independent filmmaking. This visionary venture was brought to life by the dynamic duo of Manoosh and Arash Nabavi, who share an unwavering commitment to empowering filmmakers and bringing their visions to the silver screen. Born with an inherent love for the arts, Manoosh Nabavi embarked on her creative journey at the tender age of 18 when she discovered her passion for photography. Her innate talent and relentless dedication soon catapulted her into the international spotlight, as she won numerous prestigious photography awards. In 2010, Manoosh made the life-changing decision to leave her hometown of Tehran and embrace the vibrant cultural tapestry of Los Angeles.

Since her arrival, Manoosh has continuously pushed the boundaries of her craft, capturing the essence of diverse cultures and unearthing the beauty in the mundane. Her extraordinary talent caught the attention of the art world, culminating in a crowning achievement in 2015 when her work was showcased at the iconic Louvre Museum. As the sole Iranian artist to be honored in such a manner, Manoosh’s triumphs not only inspired her fellow artists but also served as a testament to the power of artistic expression. However, Manoosh’s artistic journey took an unexpected turn during the global pandemic of 2020. The seed of an idea that had been nurtured since 2016 finally sprouted, leading to the creation of Cinema Town Studios. This state-of-the-art movie studio emerged as a beacon of hope during an unprecedented time, providing independent filmmakers with a platform to realize their dreams. Behind this ambitious project was Manoosh’s unwavering belief that filmmakers should not be limited by budget constraints but rather empowered to create captivating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Yet, Manoosh’s path to success was not without its challenges. In an industry that often tests one’s resolve, she faced adversity head-on. As a Persian woman blazing her trail in Hollywood, she encountered both prejudice and skepticism. There were those who doubted her capabilities, belittling her aspirations and suggesting she would never succeed. However, Manoosh refused to be discouraged. She stood tall, determined to prove her detractors wrong. Her loyalty and dedication were also taken advantage of at times, a sobering reminder of the complexities within the industry. Yet, Manoosh’s unwavering spirit remained unbreakable. She refused to let setbacks define her, instead using them as fuel to propel herself forward. While Manoosh’s expertise lies in film producing and casting directing, she acknowledges the invaluable role played by her brother, Arash , whose support and business acumen have been instrumental in turning Manoosh’s dreams into a tangible reality.

Through it all, Manoosh emerged stronger, armed with invaluable lessons that she now imparts to aspiring entrepreneurs. Her advice to newcomers in the industry is a testament to her resilience: never give up. She urges them to relentlessly pursue their goals and dreams, undeterred by naysayers or those who seek to undermine their progress. Manoosh believes that true success lies in consistency and hard work, often necessitating taking challenging routes and embracing calculated risks. Cinema Town Studios, under Manoosh’s guidance, has become a haven for filmmakers seeking to bring their stories to life. It stands as a testament to the power of unwavering determination, reminding aspiring creatives that their dreams are within reach, no matter the challenges they may face.

As a visionary artist, Manoosh Nabavi continues to leave an indelible mark on the film industry. Through Cinema Town Studios, she has redefined the boundaries of independent filmmaking, propelling the dreams of aspiring creatives from mere concepts to silver screen realities.

It’s an absolute delight to have you with us today, Manoosh, here at Lavish Life. Reflecting back on your journey, could you delve into the hurdles you encountered upon your arrival in Los Angeles in 2010?

As an Iranian woman who arrived in Los Angeles in 2010 and initially pursued a career in professional photography before transitioning into film producing, I have encountered a range of hurdles along my journey. Initially, there have been language and cultural barriers to overcome, as I adjusted to a new environment and sought to integrate into the film industry in Los Angeles. Building a network and establishing connections within the industry has been challenging, especially as a newcomer. However, my background in photography has provided a foundation for visual storytelling and a unique perspective that sets me apart in the competitive world of film producing. With determination, perseverance, and a passion for storytelling, I have navigated these hurdles, gained experience, and made strides in my career. 

Coming from a different cultural background, I have had to navigate cultural expectations and constraints, both from my own community and from the industry. Balancing my personal values and creative vision with societal expectations has required careful navigation. Women filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, often face difficulties in gaining visibility and recognition for their work. Overcoming the lack of representation in the industry and advocating for equal opportunities has been a significant hurdle to establishing myself as a filmmaker.

You’ve successfully carved your name as an acclaimed independent filmmaker while navigating the intersections of your Iranian-American identity and being a woman. Can you shed some light on the barriers you had to dismantle on this challenging yet rewarding path?

In my journey, I’ve encountered and overcome various barriers, each shaping me into the person I am today. One significant barrier was challenging gender norms and biases prevalent in the film and entertainment industry. As a woman, I had to confront and dismantle stereotypes that limited opportunities and perpetuated the under representation of women in key roles behind the camera. For the first couple of years, besides my professional photography career, I’ve coordinated different productions internationally, live shows, TV shows, and more and it was never about me making money but more to gain experience and take the right path.  I worked tirelessly to prove my talent, skills, and unique perspective, gradually breaking through the barriers by consistently delivering exceptional work while continuing my education. Another hurdle was navigating cultural differences and finding a balance between my Iranian heritage and the American filmmaking landscape. I embraced my identity as a storyteller, incorporating elements of my cultural background into my work, allowing them to resonate with diverse audiences. One of the examples is my solo exhibition called “Lost” in 2016 where I showed how social media is affecting our generation in a bad way which brought a lot of exposure internationally and it was the greatest feeling when people were giving me amazing feedback as to how they can relate to my work. Despite these obstacles, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to challenge preconceived notions, open doors for other aspiring filmmakers, and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse cinematic landscape. I am proud to have overcome these hurdles, and I am excited to continue telling compelling stories that bridge cultures and inspire audiences around the world.

Your fierce passion and unwavering commitment have catapulted you onto the global stage, earning you an array of accolades in the realm of photography. Could you let us in on how such significant recognition impacts you on a personal level?

Winning international awards has been a profoundly humbling and empowering experience for me as an Iranian woman. This recognition not only validates my artistic vision and technical skills but also amplifies the voices and perspectives of underrepresented communities. Personally, it serves as a validation of my journey, affirming that my unique blend of cultural heritage and creative expression has resonated with audiences worldwide. The awards have not only opened doors to new opportunities but also given me a platform to advocate for diverse storytelling and challenge stereotypes. They have instilled a deep sense of pride, inspiring me to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in my craft. Ultimately, these accolades remind me of the power of art to transcend borders, bridge cultures, and foster understanding—a realization that fuels my creative passion and drives me to tell stories that evoke emotions and initiate meaningful conversations. 

In 2015, your unparalleled talent resulted in an enviable recognition: the display of your work at the historic Louvre Museum, an honor revered by artists worldwide. Could you recount the fascinating journey that led your work from the confines of a studio to the grandeur of the Louvre?

The journey that led my work from the confines of a studio to the grandeur of the Louvre Museum was nothing short of extraordinary. Immediately a year after I moved to Los Angeles, I was picked as the top 10 most talented photographers by Create Fixate. Eventually, I started working and volunteering for different photo communities such as APA, and many more where I built amazing connections. Back then even though I graduated in Photography and Film in Iran, I started to go to school from the beginning in LA to learn the academic system and business related to the US. Five years after immigrating, I found myself immersed in a vibrant artistic community that nurtured my talent and passion for photography. I dedicated countless hours to honing my skills, exploring new techniques, and refining my artistic vision. With each photograph I captured, I aimed to tell stories that bridged cultures and touched hearts. Gradually, my work gained recognition within the photography community, leading to exhibitions and accolades that fueled my determination to push further. It was during this time that an opportunity arose to participate in a prestigious international competition. The stars aligned, and my photograph was selected to be displayed at the Louvre Museum—an honor that surpassed my wildest dreams. A profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude. It was a testament to the power of art to transcend borders, connect souls, and bring diverse voices together in one place. This journey has taught me that resilience, hard work, and staying true to my artistic vision can lead to unimaginable heights. It serves as a reminder that dreams can be realized, even in the face of adversity, and that the pursuit of art knows no boundaries.

Manoosh, our readers are intrigued by your innovative venture, Cinema Town Studios. Could you share the inspiration that drove you to conceptualize and actualize this unique idea?

The inspiration behind the creation of Cinema Town Studios stemmed from a combination of my passion for filmmaking and a deep desire to support independent filmmakers, because I went through many struggles myself for years, especially as a woman in the industry. In the midst of the challenging pandemic and lockdown in 2020, my brother Arash and I saw an opportunity to provide a platform that would help filmmakers bring their visions to life without the burden of exorbitant costs. I have had this business plan since 2016 but due to certain life circumstances, I was not able to accomplish it sooner. With Arash’s unwavering belief in my dreams and his investment in this venture, we were able to transform our vision into reality. With unwavering belief and dedication, we designed and built Cinema Town Studios from scratch. The studio is a marvel to behold, resembling a small town with meticulously crafted sets, including a hospital set, a sports bar and diner, a bank set, and a cyclorama. Every detail was lovingly handmade, making it all the more inspiring for people to realize the immense effort and artistry that went into its construction. Cinema Town Studios became the embodiment of this vision, providing state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and dedicated professionals to support filmmakers throughout their creative process. I am immensely grateful to Arash for his unwavering support and trust in my abilities. Together, we have created a haven for filmmakers to explore their creativity and realize their artistic visions, even during these challenging times. Since its inception, Cinema Town Studios has rapidly earned a stellar reputation, attracting an impressive client base that includes prestigious names such as America’s Got Talent, HBO, Paramount, NFL, and Netflix and many more. The studio’s allure lies in its ability to provide filmmakers with a multi-million-dollar aesthetic at a fraction of the cost, leveling the playing field for independent creatives seeking to bring their stories to life and I am proud to acknowledge that I’m the only Persian producer and casting director in Hollywood who has a stage like this.

To conclude, there’s a budding community of young filmmakers aiming to leave their mark in the glamorous world of Hollywood. As a seasoned professional, could you share some pearls of wisdom that you believe could guide them on their paths?

To the budding community of young filmmakers I would offer a few pearls of wisdom based on my experience. Firstly, hone your craft relentlessly and never stop learning. Embrace opportunities to expand your knowledge, experiment with different techniques, and stay updated with the latest industry trends. Secondly, perseverance is key. The path to success in the film industry is often challenging and filled with setbacks, but it’s important to remain resilient and keep pushing forward. Be prepared to face rejection and learn from it. Build a strong network and collaborate with fellow filmmakers. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion and ambition. Collaborations can lead to new perspectives, opportunities, and valuable connections. Lastly, trust your unique voice and storytelling instincts. Embrace your own creative vision and tell stories that are true to yourself. Stay authentic and don’t be afraid to take risks. Remember, success takes time, but with dedication, hard work, and a burning passion for your craft, you have the power to make a lasting impact in the world of filmmaking. As an Iranian filmmaker woman who embarked on a challenging journey, I can say with absolute certainty that anything is possible with positivity and hard work. My path has been strewn with obstacles, from cultural adjustments to language barriers, financial constraints, and the constant hustle in the competitive industry. However, I refused to let these challenges define me or dampen my spirit. Instead, I embraced a mindset of unwavering positivity and relentless determination. With each setback, I found the strength to rise again, constantly pushing myself to grow, learn, and adapt. I sought out opportunities to collaborate and network. Through countless hours of hard work and perseverance, I gradually carved a path toward success. Today, I stand as living proof that despite the hurdles, dreams can be realized. So, to all aspiring filmmakers facing their own battles, I urge you to believe in yourself, maintain a positive mindset, and never shy away from putting in the hard work. With these ingredients, you’ll discover that the impossible becomes possible, and success becomes an inevitable outcome.

By Lavish Life Publication Editorial Team