DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
Growing up, I was always the one with the stories. My cousin used to tease me, “Look, we all had the same experience, but I am sure Iram has something new to say about it.” It was true, for some reason, I saw things a bit differently, a bit more in detail, with a bit more sensitivity. I realized quickly that I had to start telling stories, whatever way I could because people were interested in what I had to say and how I had to say it. Hence, with a quick detour through engineering at a bit of a more-serious-than-I-intended school (Caltech), I finally arrived at USC Film school and ever since then, I have explicitly been a filmmaker, even though I feel I was born telling stories and performing.
Being Pakistani, a woman and a filmmaker puts me in shoes that have rarely been worn before and hence everything is a new challenge, a fresh perspective and there is intense curiosity around my origin, my faith, my gender and how I see the world. I have to say, it is both a blessing and a challenge to be of my demographic in Hollywood. I choose to see the blessing. So why this film, you ask? Making a film is a long, arduous and challenging process. There have to be major reasons for wanting to put yourself to this task. Here are the reasons I want to dive into JOSH.
As a Pakistani, I feel Pakistanis need to make films about Pakistan not just to provide the world a lens into the country but to rejuvenate the industry and train people in some form or fashion. The youth of Pakistan is doing a lot to move into the 21st century for the country. How do they align that move into the 21st century with around 25% of their population under the poverty line and illiterate. This is a big challenge and I want to tell the story of people who try, regardless of the outcome because trying to me, is never failing.
I feel that I am apt for this task because being a part of the Pakistani youth, growing up there, I feel I can see the different faces of the youth in the country today and by depicting them, I feel that we might be able to inspire and aspire change. I have a finger on the pulse of the story through first-hand experience. Also, having lived in the East and the West and having had an education in the West, I am constantly pricked by the question of how I can effectively help and bring change. Going through the characters has inspired me as well. I am one of the youth, I am just one other friend sitting at the table having these discussions, trying to lead these campaigns. I am in it with them.
Making a film with social relevance is a priority for me. I feel this film provides insight and stimulating dialogue that hopefully will lead to positive change. The West does not see this side of Pakistan. It is interesting to them and should be revealed. With constant state travel warnings being signaled every month, I want to bring Pakistan to them if they cannot bring themselves to Pakistan.
This film also challenges prejudice and works towards universal human rights. Pakistan is at the forefront of global spotlight. It is a country we need to understand to be able to see how the quality of life of the common man on the street can be improved.
As a first feature, this film has a small budget and hence a controlled risk. I am confident that since quality film content is lacking in Pakistan, content suppliers will be hungry and ready for JOSH. So hopefully, finding a home for the film should not be too challenging, once done.
It is a film with a hopeful yet realistic end that the common man can identify with and feel genuinely inspired by and thus, just the right choice for me to start my feature length career with. I have always wanted to make my first feature in my home country for people the world over.
Growing up, I was always the one with the stories. My cousin used to tease me, “Look, we all had the same experience, but I am sure Iram has something new to say about it.” It was true, for some reason, I saw things a bit differently, a bit more in detail, with a bit more sensitivity. I realized quickly that I had to start telling stories, whatever way I could because people were interested in what I had to say and how I had to say it. Hence, with a quick detour through engineering at a bit of a more-serious-than-I-intended school (Caltech), I finally arrived at USC Film school and ever since then, I have explicitly been a filmmaker, even though I feel I was born telling stories and performing.
Being Pakistani, a woman and a filmmaker puts me in shoes that have rarely been worn before and hence everything is a new challenge, a fresh perspective and there is intense curiosity around my origin, my faith, my gender and how I see the world. I have to say, it is both a blessing and a challenge to be of my demographic in Hollywood. I choose to see the blessing. So why this film, you ask? Making a film is a long, arduous and challenging process. There have to be major reasons for wanting to put yourself to this task. Here are the reasons I want to dive into JOSH.
As a Pakistani, I feel Pakistanis need to make films about Pakistan not just to provide the world a lens into the country but to rejuvenate the industry and train people in some form or fashion. The youth of Pakistan is doing a lot to move into the 21st century for the country. How do they align that move into the 21st century with around 25% of their population under the poverty line and illiterate. This is a big challenge and I want to tell the story of people who try, regardless of the outcome because trying to me, is never failing.
I feel that I am apt for this task because being a part of the Pakistani youth, growing up there, I feel I can see the different faces of the youth in the country today and by depicting them, I feel that we might be able to inspire and aspire change. I have a finger on the pulse of the story through first-hand experience. Also, having lived in the East and the West and having had an education in the West, I am constantly pricked by the question of how I can effectively help and bring change. Going through the characters has inspired me as well. I am one of the youth, I am just one other friend sitting at the table having these discussions, trying to lead these campaigns. I am in it with them.
Making a film with social relevance is a priority for me. I feel this film provides insight and stimulating dialogue that hopefully will lead to positive change. The West does not see this side of Pakistan. It is interesting to them and should be revealed. With constant state travel warnings being signaled every month, I want to bring Pakistan to them if they cannot bring themselves to Pakistan.
This film also challenges prejudice and works towards universal human rights. Pakistan is at the forefront of global spotlight. It is a country we need to understand to be able to see how the quality of life of the common man on the street can be improved.
As a first feature, this film has a small budget and hence a controlled risk. I am confident that since quality film content is lacking in Pakistan, content suppliers will be hungry and ready for JOSH. So hopefully, finding a home for the film should not be too challenging, once done.
It is a film with a hopeful yet realistic end that the common man can identify with and feel genuinely inspired by and thus, just the right choice for me to start my feature length career with. I have always wanted to make my first feature in my home country for people the world over.
