My NYU Thesis Film
I’m currently a senior at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and am prepping for my thesis film, which shoots in 4 days. It would be an understatement if I said I was nervous.
The story is a personal one. It is near and dear to my heart.
The logline is as follows:
SALMAN, a fresh Pakistani college graduate, minutes after turning down a prestigious job offer from Goldman Sachs, comes home to a surprise party with all of his parents’ community friends celebrating his new job.
3 years ago this day, I was a dropout from the University of Waterloo, dying to pursue film but unaware of how to get there. I looked up and prayed every night for some sort of path. I am so blessed that God listened. Fast forward three years, and I am a senior at NYU.
I remember the moments before, when my dream was to be at NYU. It happened. I achieved it. Of course, I have other dreams and goals. But I bring this up because the thesis film is kind of an homage to my life, while at the same time unique in its own way. I haven’t experienced exactly what Salman, the protagonist, goes through in the film, but the emotion is definitely similar.
But the premise is one that every south asian kid can relate to. The idea of your life being picked for you. All the decisions pre-made by your parents or other family members. And you must fall in line. If you don’t, you’re “vaira”, “lost”, “a bad kid”.
I reject the premise. See, I realized something:
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You only look foolish until it works out; then you look like a genius visionary.
So, as long as you’re comfortable looking foolish to those around you for a prolonged period of time, you’re fine.
The film explores themes of religion, spirituality, love, and courage.
I come from a world of comedy, and there are definitely certain moments of comedy in this short film. But once in a while, I try to write beautiful scenes.
And in this short, there is one beautiful scene that has a piece of my soul. Art is the soul’s expression, and my soul is definitely in this.
I’ll keep you updated once I’m done shooting, inshAllah. God is in control; all I can do is show up and do my part.
UPDATE:
We just wrapped. Wow. I am lost for words. The whole experience was such a great time. The people we met, hanging with the cast, joking around, having a blast.
Working with such a talented crew- truly the best of the best. I mean, it doesn’t get better than that. I feel so filled with gratitude.
An actor I’ve looked up to for years, Hamza Haq, was kind enough to give me his time and play a role in the short film. Man, God works in the most mysterious ways.
For now, that’s it. I’ll post another blog recapping the experience!
