Hami J: Storyteller in Sound and Film

I’ve always believed that to break the rules, you first need to understand them. Otherwise, creativity risks becoming chaos. I started my journey in film back in 2008, syncing footage and capturing tapes as an assistant editor. Four years later, after countless sleepless nights and a lot of learning, I worked on my first feature film as a supervising sound designer with the help of my amazing assistants. By 2014, I co-founded a post-production studio in Tehran, working in Iranian mainstream cinema before finding my place in Germany’s independent film scene.


For me, storytelling is about finding that emotional thread that pulls people in and keeps them there. Whether it’s crafting a soundscape or piecing together a film in the editing room, my focus is always on creating something that feels real, raw, and memorable. It’s about striking a balance between creative expression and connecting with the audience—between structure and spontaneity.


What I Do

Storytelling

As an editor, my goal is to craft a compelling story that really grabs people and stirs up emotions, using both visuals and audio. I work closely with the director and make sure I understand their vision and use my skills to elevate the storytelling. This might mean playing around with shots, trying out different sound effects and music, and being open to feedback. Since storytelling is a mix of visual and audio elements, I'm always on the lookout for ways to boost both sides of the story.

Commitment

I've got a lot of experience in meeting deadlines for festivals and screenings. I know how crucial it is to deliver on time, and I can stay cool, even when there are last-minute changes to the film. Keeping my calm under pressure is something I've learned through years of experience, and it's been key in making sure the films I work on are not just finished on time but also meet the highest standards.

Technical Know-how

Apart from being an experienced film editor and sound designer, I've got the technical competence for the entire post-production too. I know my way around different softwares and have hands-on experience in color grading and visual effects too. Blending technical know-how with storytelling skills lets me create visually striking and emotionally impactful films.

Collaboration

Through my journey of working up the ranks in post-production, I've gained a distinctive insight into the collaborative nature of filmmaking. I truly understand the different roles within a team, from sound technicians to visual effects artists. I can communicate effectively and respectively with each member to ensure their work is integrated into the final product.