Shireen Pasha

I was thrust into filmmaking by something in my gut that pointed out to the art-form like Moses to the Red Sea: Go forth. Make films. That was in October 2002 when I made my first short film, The (...) Ruti Eaters, and within the span of three weeks of completion, I met three directors, Martin Scorsese, Jon Woo and John Amiel, who also held out their staffs and said: Go forth. Make films. I did not have formal training in filmmaking, yet I felt I knew it intrinsically and that by experience I could bring the craft and its many people (makers and audience) together. Truly, the moments when I am working on a film, engrossed in its details, I feel that there is no other place I would rather be. I want to stretch that moment, dwell in each fiber of its planck time. In terms of style, I love great production design and great locations. These are the details that can transport great acting into a sense, adding to the sixth or seventh that the audience may already possess. I also love to work with diversity in the subject of my films, as well as my crew. That we are all different and have something unique to contribute, keeps me inspired. This is why my first feature film is about South Asia, one of the most biologically and culturally diverse places on the planet.