In 2002 Payami began production on Silence Between Two Thoughts, which he wrote, directed and produced in the remote areas of eastern Iran close to the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

All original negative and sound material for Silence Between Two Thoughts was confiscated by the Iranian government, and Payami was forced into exile during the summer of 2003.

In late 2007 and until January 2010, he was the creative director of the Media Studio at Fabrica, a United Colors of Benetton Communication Arts Research Centre in Northern Italy, where he produced several projects, including I Am Jesus, directed by Valerie Gudenus and Heloisa Sartorato; and Branding Kosovo, directed by Diego Hurtado de Mendoza.

Payami also co-wrote and, with Michele Fuzellier, co-directed a French-Italian animated feature film, The Story of a Fearless Child, released internationally in 2016.

In 2010 Payami established Payam Entertainment due to his recent collaborations with Iranian musician, composer and performer Mohsen Namjoo.