I recently got the chance to work on the BFI young filmmakers thriller competition for filmmakers aged 16-25. I was approached by a team of young filmmakers with an idea already in their heads. Zane (writer, director and actor) wanted to create this film that challenged the views that western media has put on society about Muslims. We created this powerful short that I will not spoil but really makes you feel guilty as a viewer if it makes you ‘think’ a certain way.
A film combatting the Nationality and Borders Bill
Last weekend I worked on an amazing project directed by Ai Narapol in association with Namsong. The goal was to inform people about the bill and how it will affect immigrants and second-generation immigrants, in this case, the dancer Daniel Phung. I was taken onto the project to shoot the film and colour grade it. Being a second-generation myself, this topic means a lot to me.
We had a very early start, I’m talking 1:30 AM wake up, 2:00 - 5:00 AM car journey to Leeds and then Scarborough Beach. Once at the beach, it was pitch dark. I lost my second black cap (which I had lost on a set before (I’m still triggered)). The shots we got however, were so worth the journey and lost cap.
We used an Aputure 300X equipped with a strong red gell blasting at Dan to create this ominous red glow in the dark. The sand blowing around created an atmospheric effect with the light, which I loved. Once we got the shots we needed we all ran to the car and warmed up. It was freezing.
Things were about to only get colder for me… As the sun rose, we set back out to the beach. Dan and I ventured into the water and boy was it cold, really really cold. Having spent about 10 minutes barefooted in the water, my feet literally went pure numb for the next two hours. I couldn’t even put my socks back on, it was so weird. I slept in the car back to Leeds, woke up and they were still numb! But believe me, I’d do it again and again.
Currently, the film is being edited by Ai and I can’t wait to share the story with you all!