Behind the Vision
Creator/ Executive Producer
Shapour Daneshmand
Before following his lifelong dream of working with horses, Shapour spent decades as a filmmaker, producing documentaries that gave voice to the voiceless and shed light on injustice across the world. In 2019, he stepped away from the camera to dedicate himself fully to training horses and teaching people how to ride.
Today, he blends storytelling with horsemanship. Guiding students not only to ride, but to connect with horses through trust, patience, and respect. His horse training method focuses on building a clear, calm dialogue with the horse, shaping behavior through consistency, body language, and mutual understanding rather than force.
Director
Afshin Hashemi
Afshin Hashemi is an Iranian actor, writer, and director. He received his MFA in Directing from Tehran Art University. Hashemi is the Director of six feature films and two TV series, and received several awards from both national and international festivals.
He has performed in more than 40 plays and 20 movies directed by prominent Iranian directors such as: Bahram Beyzaie, Ali Rafie, Hamid Amjad, Mohammad Rahmanian, Mohammad Rezaierad, Ebrahim Hatamikia, Reza Mirkarimi, Mohsen Abdolvahab, Bahram Tavakolie, Vahid Mousaian, Ahmad Amini, etc. He has also written 15 Plays and directed 10 on stage.
Production Designer
Majid Mirfakhraei
Majid Mirfakhraei is one of the most accomplished art directors in Iranian cinema and a multi-award-winning production designer. Trained at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Tehran and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, he has designed for film, television, and stage across Iran, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
His credits include international productions such as PBS’s Islam: Empire of Faith, NHK’s Alexander, and more than 50 feature films and television series, including Shahrzad, Prophet Joseph, and Imam Ali. With decades of acclaimed work, Mirfakhraei brings global experience and artistic excellence to every project he joins.
Custom Designer
Soheila Sohrab
Soheila Sohrabi is a distinguished costume designer known for her creativity and unique vision. A graduate of the Tehran Academy of Dramatic Arts, with further studies in Art and Production Design in Los Angeles, she began her career on the acclaimed TV series Sarbedaran before teaching at an acting school.
She has since designed costumes for film, theater, and television across the US, Canada, Europe, and North Africa. Her credits include Farewell My Bird, Anarestan, Alice in Persia Land, The Story of Nowruz, Playing with Stars (with Michael Madsen), Ahmad Bay (with Gérard Depardieu), and The Secret is to Seal in Vienna and Budapest.
Associate Producer
Nila Zojaji
Nila Zojaji is an actress, writer, and storyteller with 15+ years of experience in theater, film, and live productions. A New York Film Academy MFA graduate, she has worked across the Middle East and Los Angeles, earning multiple awards at the Sharjah Theater and Arts Festival.
Skilled in guiding authentic performances and conducting interviews, she brings a sharp sense of story development to The Last Rider. With added training in psychology and coaching, Nila connects deeply with people, helping cast members feel at ease and open up on camera—her blend of artistry and insight ensures the show captures powerful, genuine moments.
Production Sound mixer
Richard Ragon
Richard Dragon is an accomplished production sound mixer with years of experience in film and television.
Skilled in capturing crisp dialogue, natural room tone, and on-set soundscapes, he ensures that productions are supported by the highest audio quality. With a deep understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of sound, Richard brings reliability, precision, and artistry to every project he joins.
ADDRESS
Agua Dulce, California
GENERAL INQUIRIES
Producer@decoupagecollective.com