Mahmoud Salimi, an assistant professor of film at Lamar University, is receiving global accolades for his short film, “Not Me.”

“Not Me,” was recognized by the European International Film Festival - “Euro Fest”- and has been nominated a finalist in Best Short Film category. The festival will be held in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation on May 30.

Additionally, “Not Me” has been recognized at Kiev International Film Festival. It is an “official selection” of the festival held May 24-26, in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. 

“It is an honor to be part of such unique festivals in Europe that value content over entertainment,” Salimi, the film’s co-star and director. “The European International Film Festival’s mission is to discover new talent and give them a platform to present their work to Russian audiences.”

Salimi said the Kiev International Film Festival brings together the next generation of filmmakers at an international level. “It creates a space for dialog among international filmmakers. It encourages them to engage in active conversation that results in a change,” said Salimi.  

“Not Me” is a story of struggle and survival, tolerance and coexistence in the midst of the Iraq War.  The film centers on an American soldier, Mike, and an Iraqi fighter, Mohammad. One fights for God, the other for democracy. They hate each other, but in order to survive, they have to work together. Trapped in a minefield and chased by the Iraqi and American forces, the tension escalates as they fight to live.

“My focus in this film is co-existence. In this fictional story, I have attempted to convey the message of dialog and tolerance. Regardless of our political and religious differences, we can still coexist,” said Salimi. “We can get along with each other as long as there's a mutual respect and understanding between us. The ideologies, fighting for God and war for democracy, have taken thousands of innocent lives.” 

“Not Me” has also received official selection and nomination laurels from Top Indie Film Festival, Olympus Film Festival Los Angeles, Genre Film Celebration, Newlyn International Film Festival, Rome Film Awards, Shutter Speed Film Festival, Mediterranean Film Festival, Eurasia International Film Festival, and Northeast Mountain Film Festival.

The film is Salimi’s eleventh film as a director. His other films include “Perfect Restaurant,” “No Vacancy,” “The Moment,” “Timeless,” “Moving Day,” “Wild Weather,” “Wonderful Wetlands,” “Forces of Nature,” “What For?,” and “All About Hair.”    

See the Trailer for “Not Me."

For more information about “Not Me” or for interview requests, please contact Mahmoud Salimi at 904-716-6122 or at mahmoudssalimi@gmail.com.  

 About Mahmoud Salimi:

Mahmoud Salimi is an Assistant Professor of Film at Lamar University. He is a writer, director, editor and cinematographer whose work takes a critical look at the challenges that affect the lives of people around the world. He has worked on various fiction and documentary films, music videos, and corporate promotions in Asia, Europe, and North America. His work has been recognized in various international film festivals including WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, Cardiff International Film Festival, Beirut International Film Festival, Caribbean International Film Festival, Bronze Lens Film Festival, First Cut Film Series, Rome Film Awards, Top Indie Film Awards, Los Angeles Cinefest, Olympus Film Festival Los Angeles, and Lewiston Auburn Film Festival to name a few. He is the recipient of the Fulbright scholarship, a member of the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars, the Press Club of Southeast Texas, and Popular Culture of America in the South. He has served as a juror in various film competitions.