Arsalan Asli
Arsalan Asli was curious about cinema and art from an early age.
Born in Iran and raised in Canada and the US, he began his career in investment banking and real estate development through his family’s business in the Middle East.
With cinema, art and theatrics as his spiritual compass and lifelong passion, Arsalan transitioned into the entertainment industry after high school.
In 2016, Arsalan and his creative partners founded FIVE/4, a multi-faceted entertainment company engaged in the development, packaging and production of content across all genres of independent film, television and new media.
Arsalan executive produced HALA, AFTER SOPHIE, and PRETEXT - three renowned short films written and directed by trailblazing filmmaker, Minhal Baig.
His unyielding and impenetrable passion for film is palpable. I mean, half the filmmakers and movies he mentioned during out time together I admit not knowing. At all.
But this is just one of the ways in which he makes me better everyday.
As a friend. As a fellow film lover. As one of my producing partners. He is a true mentor and source of inspiration to me and anyone lucky enough to collaborate with him.
I’ve grown tremendously as producer thanks to his patience, kindness, and uncompromising ethics.
This week, we go deeeppp on many fun topics such as adjusting our expectations around the business, how happiness comes from our relationship with the process, how to be uncompromising as a artist, and the ways Hollywood can help the world alter it’s perception of black and brown people.
Oh, here’s one of the many incredible filmmakers and films he mentions in our chat:
WADJDA, written and directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour.
An enterprising Saudi girl signs on for her school's Koran recitation competition as a way to raise the remaining funds she needs in order to buy the green bicycle that has captured her interest. Watch on Netflix!
Can't wait to hear what you think of this week's episode!
Beijos,
Caca
"You know, one of the things that I see really inundate folks with negative and pessimistic thinking is their relationship with the process. And again, that includes the relationship with time. Independent film producing punches you in the face every single day and in fourteen different ways and you need to reassess your love and your inner constitution.”
- Arsalan Asli