Kurdish composer Karzan Mahmood on Thursday spoke to Rudaw about his nomination for a Hollywood Music in Media Award for his work in an Iranian film, describing it as deeply political and one that reflects the current situation in Iran.
Mahmood, a well-known Kurdish musician, has been nominated for a Hollywood Music in Media Award for his work on The Seed of the Sacred Fig.
The film, directed by Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, is Germany’s submission for the Best International Film category at the Academy Awards. It has also been nominated for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, with the latter set to be announced on February 16.
Speaking to Rudaw’s Hiwa Jamal from Sweden on Thursday, Mahmood said the film “has a political, humanitarian message, which is very contemporary, and delves into the current situation in Iran.”
“Everything that is happening politically in Iran, the film combines [its portrayal] in a family, and this is done very well. That is why it has been highlighted all over the world,” he said.
He added that artists should focus on producing meaningful art. “An artist shouldn't think about where his art is going to take him because he will take it everywhere his work deserves,” he said. He also spoke about his collaboration with Rasoulof, saying that when they worked on the film, they were not fixated on international recognition.
For his music in the movie, Mahmood is among the nominees and winners of the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA) which was established in 2009 to recognize outstanding music in films, documentaries, television productions, video games, commercials, and music videos.
“We can say that music is the soul of the film, and it plays a very big role,” Mahmood said. He added that the film contains minimal music, used only at moments of high impact.
In addition to composing for films, songs, and media productions, Mahmood has created music for several video games, saying that the gaming industry has conquered the world. He has also composed music for Kurdish singers but noted that he is now more focused on film.
Originally from Sulaimani, Mahmood resides in Sweden, where he holds bachelor's and master's degrees in music.[1]