Ok, Brightside enters another few film festivals this week. I
am holding my breath! So exciting! Brightside is now ready for promotion. We
have set up a crowd funding campaign to push it further. For me this is the
most difficult part of the journey. So far, we have self –funded the project
entirely. Going public is not something that comes natural to me. I have
embraced myself for the long haul. Filming was the easiest part to this process.
Promotion in the next few months will prove difficult.
I am not made of steel. Certain things will get to me. What
really saddens me is when people pass judgement on you and yet they know
nothing about your life. I know we are
all guilty of this, but there is a limit. My crew and I have been working
extremely hard to get Brightside out there. Every spare minute I have is spent trying to
promote Brightside wherever possible. Sometimes, my children want something and
I have to stall them to deal with Brightside. Fortunately, I have great children
Mash- Allah who are patient with me. I love them to bits!
As a newcomer to the Industry I have made many mistakes
along the way. Trust me some of these blunders have been pretty cringe-worthy!
A bit like being on “You’ve been framed!” lol! Yes, in those moments I wished
the ground had swallowed me up! Hey! It doesn’t last though! Again, I learnt
from my errors, still learning and moving on. You have to be woman enough to
take it!
As a Muslim woman
entering the Film Industry has been difficult to get used to. Clair and the
rest of my crew have been brilliant. However, certain individuals will try to
bring you down. For me to prove filmmaking is a respectable profession for
Muslim woman is my ongoing challenge. There are some who still believe
women shouldn’t be working at all. That's fine, people are entitled to their opinions. What people don’t realise is the invisible barrier I am trying to break
through. It is hard to explain unless you come from a certain cultural background.
My job is to keep getting the message out there and staying strong :)
So my little tip- if you thinking of going into filmmaking
then you must be ready for what comes with it. There will be some good surprises,
difficult decisions, and hard times ahead. It’s all part of the learning
process. Don’t lose heart, chin up and keep going. That’s what it’s all about.
Other news, I’ve been
working with Eemaan on a short film project “Contentment” (10mins) to enter for
a film competition. I was mentoring her and had the position of assistant director. I am amazed
at what Eemaan picked up while filming. She is a natural! lol! We hope
to send her short to film festivals soon.
Before I forget,I am posting my interview (Women & Work) with Leicester Business Women in regards to International Women's Day. Ok keep you posted:)
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