One of the 20 films featuring in the Competition Selection at this year’s Femme Filmmakers Festival is Sahera Khan‘s short film Faith. If you tuned in yesterday you may have gotten chance to watch the film.
Faith is set in one location, a kind of coffee shop, but its themes are multiple. The main focus, through to old friends meeting up, is the reception society might have to the discussions of sexuality and religion. In this case, the topics of how being a lesbian might be viewed from a Muslim perspective.
Like the characters in the short film, the platform for deaf community also isolates an important form of identity and communication itself. Writer and director Sahera Khan is right in the centre of this.
The filmmaker has done an Open University course in Digital Film School, has has taken various workshops, and has gathered a gradual batch of experiences – including writing and directing.
A trailer for ‘Help Me!’, scripts for short films ‘Audiology’, ‘He Stood Me Up’ and ‘Bond’, plus her very first documentary short ‘Reverted’ are just examples of Khan’s work. ‘Bond‘ was awarded second prize for the Best International Deaf Film at the 2016 International India Deaf Film Festival.
Is that it? No. Sahera Khan has also acted in short films, helped create storyboards, as well as dipping her toes in the roles of Assistant Director and Runner. Faith was her opportunity to express her thoughts on the D/deaf, Muslim, LGBT community. As well as the struggles they may face.
questions by Morgan Roberts and Robin Write
FILMOTOMY; Hello Sahera. To begin with then, if you could work on a film or series about a historical woman, who would it be and why?
SAHERA KHAN: I would like to work on a film about deaf women in the history. I know a few deaf women in the United Kingdom, but I would be keen to research on South Asian or Muslim deaf women – could be anywhere the world. It would be inspirational.
What movie makes you cry no matter how many times you watch it?
I cried at a few movies. The stories were about family – emotional and sad.
Financing can be an initial barrier to filmmaking. What advice do you have for new filmmakers trying to finance a project?
I would advise go to Kickstarter or other crowdfunding to raise the money to make the film. Or work on the script e.g. limited time, one setting and shooting for a day. To try work out the budget, if you can afford it. I would recommend you go to Raindance workshop about low budgets.
#MeToo and #TimesUp have been attempting to push for systemic industry changes. What are some ways that these movements are working? What are some changes we should continue to work toward?
I heard about the stories. It is not the same because lots of television shows and movies are still on Amazon and Netflix, with those still involved in #MeToo and #TimesUp.
Tell us about the film Faith. How much is this a reflection of yourself and the life you know?
I wrote the story of FAITH for a while. When LGBT became law in United Kingdom. I think it is very important for people, especially Muslim people and specific D/deaf people who are LGBT. I don’t see any D/deaf Muslims who are LGBT, but they may be hidden. I want FAITH to show the audience an understanding about Muslim and the faith.
How do you condense so many misunderstood issues in such a short film?
I had showed my script to a LGBT person, and did seek her advice. I don’t want the audience to think I wrote by myself, because I am straight. I want to share it with the audience.
What is your process of writing and directing, and even acting, and what other areas of film do you become involved with?
I worked about 10 years of creative work from Writer, Actress, Filmmaker and YouTuber. I had been involved in a few projects e.g. BSL Zone, The Film Bunch and Wellington Production etc. I am a freelance artist. My passion is creating a story to share with the world.
What is your favorite part about being a filmmaker? What is your least favorite part about being a filmmaker?
I enjoy being a filmmaker when I create the story, teamwork. I find the editing is a long process.
If you could shadow another filmmaker for a day, who would it be and why?
A young deaf female, to give a support, guide, step by step to achieve the filming.
Other than phone, keys, wallet etc, what are your three most prized possessions?
Glasses, Koran book and notebook. I cannot without my glasses because I couldn’t see. I read Koran to help me and keep me calm. And I always write notes in my book for when I want to record important information.
What changes have you enjoyed the most during lockdown?
Since the lockdown began, I have had a great time with my family, cooking and chatting. I am continuing the creative work, both paid and unpaid. And I also learned about Zoom.
