On Making Smile
On Making "Smile"
The film follows Salman, a man haunted by the traumatic memory of his mother’s tragic death. The story unfolds in a cyclical pattern of surreal events, where Salman repeatedly awakens from a nightmare only to relive it again in an altered but eerily similar manner. The lines between past and present blur as Salman confronts the echoing laughter of his mother and the harrowing vision of her final moments. As he struggles to comprehend the nightmare’s grip on his reality, Salman is forced to face his deepest fears and the unresolved guilt that keeps him trapped in this endless loop. “Smile”” explores themes of grief, mental illness, and the relentless pursuit of closure in a world where time seems to stand still, yet the haunting memories refuse to fade.
This film has taken my mind, heart, and soul to make. Ever since I wanted to do a piece of storytelling on the concept of mental health I instantly jumped on some very jumbled up loglines that I managed to connect with each other to make this one short-film that consisted of the concept of loss, time, memories, and childhood.
I am truly proud to have made this short-film on a very taboo subject in Pakistan which is surprising to know that it is not even considered real, more awareness is needed and it will take time to do that but an ocean is only made by drops.
The team has worked with all their effort, especially the actors who gave themselves completely to the direction and the script, it was a spectacle to watch the lead actors go through such an emotional performance that I will truly be indebted to them for it.
It is an important film for Pakistan, it is an important film for me and for all of us who don’t know the gravity of mental awareness.
The journey of making “Smile” was as intense and gripping as the story itself. Faced with the challenge of a shoestring budget, we were compelled to maximize creativity and resourcefulness at every turn. This film was crafted through sheer determination, where every decision had to balance artistic vision with practical constraints.
Our small but skilled crew was carefully selected, each member bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of their role. Their expertise allowed us to streamline the production process, ensuring that every shot was executed with precision, despite the limitations. The choice of equipment was equally deliberate; we focused on using the right tools that could deliver the desired aesthetic while remaining within our budgetary constraints.
Improvisation became a cornerstone of our approach. From repurposing everyday items as props to finding innovative ways to light and frame each scene, we embraced the challenge of making the most out of what we had. The shooting style, which demanded a high degree of technical proficiency, was achieved through meticulous planning and a commitment to simplicity—allowing the emotional weight of the story to take center stage.
“Smile” is a testament to what can be accomplished with passion and ingenuity. Despite the financial hurdles, the film’s production was a labor of love, driven by a shared belief in the power of storytelling. The result is a film that, much like its narrative, is a reflection of resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of a vision against all odds.
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