“Saba Mazloum's work as the cinematographer on the SK-II 2022 Global campaign was nothing short of breathtaking. With a keen eye for detail and a mastery of lighting and composition, Mazloum's work created a visual narrative that was both emotive and evocative. The award-winning commercial was a true testament to Mazloum's skill and artistry, as he captured the essence of SK-II's brand message in every frame. From the rich and vibrant colors to the stunning use of light and shadow, Mazloum's work on this project was truly exceptional and deserving of the Golden Lion silver award.”
Guidance - New York Times Review
Five Sci-Fi Films to Stream Now
By Elisabeth Vincentelli, published 8 July 2022
At first glance, it looks as if this Chinese film is about the effects of an ingestible app (it comes inside an orange-ish pill) called Guidance, which allows people to detect when their interlocutors aren’t telling the truth. The consequences of being able to instantly spot lies would make for a possible companion piece to John Carpenter’s underrated “They Live” (1988), in which special sunglasses let the wearer see subliminal messages and aliens passing as human. But the interest of Neysan Sobhani’s movie lies elsewhere: What drives the invention of a potentially world-changing technology? It’s hard to watch this film and not muse about what Facebook might have been like if Mark Zuckerberg had had different motivations at Harvard.
The key to the story is Han Miao (Sun Jia), a woman who once got stuck in a panic room with Su Jie (Francesco Chen), the tech mogul running the company that unleashed Guidance into the world. What happened in that room is reconstructed in a series of flashbacks as the young woman shares the memory with her boyfriend, Mai Zi Xuan (Harry Song). With events like a recent “great war” only mentioned in passing, the film is essentially a sleek three-person relationship drama, but Sobhani spices it up with slow-building suspense that rewards patience — for protagonists and viewers alike.
Guidance - VCinema
“The film’s clever editing and cinematography also go a long way in carving out an underlying emotional depth that connects these complex ideas with the dramatic tension between characters.”
Guidance - Nuha Hassan Review
“Guidance’s cinematography is beautifully shot by Saba Mazloum, who shows these three characters in intimate positions. All the characters are shot in closed spaces in two different aspect ratios, and some of the scenes almost look like portraiture. Their emotions are closely framed and even at times, the physical distance between the characters helps to communicate and strengthen their relationships, even if they are broken. None of the characters ever feels or looks like they are small — they are larger than life, exploding and imploding their emotions on the screen.”
Guidance - Poprika Review
“The cinematography is gorgeous as well, director of photography Saba Mazloum takes full advantage of the natural light provided by the set design’s open-window spaces; wall to floor glass panels gives the couple the illusion of transparency and Mazloum lets the sun do the majority of the lighting work. The outside shots are just as beautiful; the open serenity of nature conflicts with the invasive presence of technology in a way that suggests Sobhani may be gently rebuking the technological advances of the world: the further down this path we go, the more we lose our relationship with nature. “
Guidance - Forreel Review
“Guidance is right on the cusp of greatness. The film is brimming with stellar performances, expert direction, and dazzling cinematography…”
Mardan - The Hollywood Reporter review →
" A strong sense of place emanates from cinematographer Saba Mazloum’s carefully controlled colors, offering a fresh perspective on the majestic landscape which plays such a key role in the film. " - Deborah Young
Mardan - ScreenDaily Review →
"Yet the solemnity is lightened by Saba Mazloum’s cinematography, alternating between wide vistas of the rugged unforgiving land and tactile close-ups of desperate folk in its rocks and shadows. Delicately placed clues keep your attention poised for the next pivot in Ghobadi’s hyper-minimal script." - David D'Arcy
Mardan - World Premiere TIFF →
"Mardan is not only one of the most remarkably shot and composed films of the year, but also one of the most shadowy and sublime. Stalking the Kurdish countryside, trying to solve the case of the missing man, Mardan finds himself revisiting his own personal history. " -Piers Handling-