Afshin Ghaderzadeh, a Kurd from western Iran (Rojhelat), named as the shortest man in the world by Guinness World Records in 2021, a recognition which has helped him find ways to provide for his family.
The film is named “iPhone 14” and explores the difficulties a short man, played by Ghaderzadeh, faces because of his height as well as how he takes matters in his own hands to improve his situation.
"This film sheds light on the life of the World's shortest man who faces some difficulties at their home and he takes matters into his own hands to resolve them," Mohammed Ali Mukri, the director said.
"I am very pleased to have starred in such a film," Ghaderzadeh told Rudaw on Tuesday. Dressed in Kurdish traditional clothing, he talked about previous experience in the film industry, and the excitement the new acting opportunity brings him.
"I have in the past published films myself. I have never done such work in the past."
Ghaderzadeh said the team spent on week filming in the village of Khurkhur, Bokan, where he is from, in addition to one day in Erbil.
Despite only weighing a mere six kilograms and being 64 centimeters in height, the 22-year-old man is also unstoppable when it comes to helping out his loved ones.
"So this film tells the story and character of this person. The person receives three iPhone 14 mobiles as gifts from Apple.”
"He takes these iPhones home and sells them to spend the money on his sick mother who has lost both of her kidneys."
Ghaderzadeh’s family also expressed their excitement. They hope that their son's entry into the world cinema will help them out financially, adding that their son has their full support.
"We are thrilled to see that our son has maintained an interest in movies and films," Ismael Ghaderzadeh, Afshin's father said. "Despite our financial woes living in a remote village, we never stopped supporting him."
"We have always been with him," the father said proudly.
It is still unclear when the film will be released but filming has come to an end.
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