Ode to Faydim Ramshe | The impact of stories

Faydim Ramshe, a documentary maker and director, shares her life story, challenges and the influence of her environment in a candid conversation. Born in Iran and immigrating to the Netherlands at a young age, she talks about her journey to self-discovery, her experience as an immigrant and the role Amsterdam plays in her life and career.

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Faydim's life path began in Iran, but at the age of 16 she fled to the Netherlands. She first lived in Rotterdam, a city that offered her a lot, but where she eventually felt confined. She longed for a place that would give her more freedom to follow her dreams, and she found that in Amsterdam. “Amsterdam is a city where art and culture flourish, and it felt like the right place to continue my journey as a documentary filmmaker,” she says.
 

Her dream of becoming a filmmaker had always been there, but the road to get there was not easy. “When I arrived in the Netherlands, I did not speak the language well and I did not know the culture. It was not until I was 26, after eight years in the Netherlands, that I went to film school.” Yet Amsterdam gave her the inspiration and the opportunities to develop herself as an artist.
 

Freedom and Creativity

When asked what Amsterdam means to her, Faydim has a clear answer: “Amsterdam is romantic, a city of freedom, madness and adventure. For me it is a city where you can be who you want, a city where you can discover, but also where you can lose yourself in the chaos.” She refers to the movie Turks Fruit as a metaphor for the romance and raw freedom that Amsterdam once had. “That's Amsterdam. It's romantic. But I haven't experienced the old city. What I find unfortunate is that that magic is disappearing a little due to the many tourists and expats.”
 

Her decision to move from Rotterdam to Amsterdam was a conscious step towards realizing her ambitions as a filmmaker. Here she found not only a community of artists and creative types, but also a city that strengthened her sense of freedom.

In addition to the challenges of integration and learning a new language, Faydim mentions a deeper struggle: with herself. “The biggest challenge was the mental struggle with myself,” she says. Her process of self-discovery was not only cultural, but also personal. “It has little to do with where you come from, it is something universal. Everyone has that inner struggle, regardless of your background.

Her experiences in Iran, where she grew up under a dictatorial regime, shaped her worldview. But she learned that true freedom does not only depend on where you are, but above all on your own mindset. “No matter what you go through, if you can be free in your head, you can be free anywhere.”
 

The impact of stories

Faydim hopes that her personal stories can inspire others. “In Amsterdam you feel free, and that is what I want to pass on. It is important to understand that freedom begins in your head. If you find freedom there, you can experience it anywhere, even when you are surrounded by challenges.”
 

Her work as a documentary maker revolves around capturing stories that resonate with people trying to find themselves in a world full of expectations. She believes that the power of film lies in opening up new perspectives and offering recognition to others.

Freedom in thought
 

Faydim draws inspiration from women who dare to make their voices heard, despite social obstacles. She mentions Füruğ Ferruhzad, an Iranian poetess who broke taboos, and contemporary female journalists who show courage in their work. “These women dared to show themselves and make their voices heard. They were my role models.”
 

Faydim Ramshe is a woman who follows her own path, both as a filmmaker and as a person. Her journey from Iran to the Netherlands, her inner struggles and her search for freedom in Amsterdam form the basis for her work and vision. She continues to inspire others with her stories and encourages people to find their own freedom, regardless of the obstacles in their path. “Amsterdam has taught me to be free, not only in the city, but especially in my own thoughts,” Faydim concludes. It is a message that many can embrace.