

Festival Season:
August 2026
REFLECTION

Directors:
Writers:
Arshia Ghafari
Arshia Ghafari
Producers:
Arshia Ghafari
Run Time:
0:08:04
Awarded for the following Category(s):
Awarded Category(s)
An alone human being, seemingly the last human on Earth, stumbles upon an abandoned place containing seven mirrors. He takes one and embarks on a journey, forming a unique bond with his reflection. Upon returning to the original location, he finds the remaining mirrors vanished and his own mirror shattered beyond repair. This unsettling discovery leaves him grappling with the fragility of reflection and the loneliness of his existence.
Submitter Statement
"Reflection" is a deeply personal exploration of isolation, humanity, and the fragile nature of existence. As the last human on Earth, our protagonist embarks on a journey that serves as both a physical and metaphorical quest for meaning in a world stripped of life. The mirrors symbolize the remnants of humanity fragments of our past, our memories, and our connections to one another.
In crafting this film, I aimed to evoke a sense of introspection and contemplation. The mirrors, in their beauty and complexity, represent the multifaceted nature of life itself. As our protagonist interacts with the mirror he chooses to take, we witness his struggle to find purpose and identity in a desolate landscape. However, upon returning to the place where he first found the mirrors, he is confronted with the harsh reality that nothing remains unchanged. The shattered mirror becomes a poignant metaphor for the irreparable loss of humanity and connection.
The choice to shoot in black and white was a deliberate one. It evokes a sense of timelessness and universality, emphasizing the emotional weight of our protagonist's journey. The absence of color allows viewers to focus on the stark contrasts between isolation and connection, hope and despair, a journey to a world where color is absent. This visual style mirrors the internal struggle of our character as he grapples with the meaning of life in a world devoid of it.
The production of "Reflection" was a labor of love, made possible by a small but dedicated crew who shared my vision. Working with a limited budget posed significant challenges, yet it also fostered creativity and resourcefulness. Every shot, every sound, and every moment was carefully crafted with the understanding that we had to make the most of what we had. This experience reinforced my belief that storytelling transcends financial constraints; it is about the passion and commitment of those involved.
And lastly, I hope that "Reflection" resonates with viewers on a personal level, encouraging them to reflect on their own journeys and the timeless nature of our shared humanity.
Arshia Ghafari, (born on January 16, 1999)
an independent director hailing from Tehran, Iran, with an academic background in Dramatic Literature, is a storyteller whose love for filmmaking knows no bounds. With a deep passion for photography and writing.
This is his debut short film.
Key Cast
Other Credits
Cinematographer: Saeed Faramarzi
Director Consultant: Ida Emami
Editor: Saeed Faramarzi
Sound Design : Saeed Faramarzi
