Smile
by Ahran Minhas
13 minutes | Drama
“SMILE" is a haunting psychological drama that delves into the fragile boundary between reality and nightmare.
“Smile” 2020
Language: Urdu
Filmed: Pakistan
Directed by: Ahsan Minhas
Starring: Saad Khalid, Areeba Chishti, Nouman Qureshi
On making “SMILE”
by Ahsan Minhas
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.
Ahsan Minhas
Ahsan Minhas, a passionate and talented film director, writer, and producer, had worked earlier in his path with LSF Short-Film Group in London, UK at 19 for short films made for BBC, and later he obtained a qualification in Film Production from the esteemed New York Film Academy in NY, USA in 2018 having worked in various Hollywood projects.
Now with more than 15 short films to his credit, Ahsan's work has garnered significant recognition, including 9 international film festival selections and 3 wins. His film "My Dear Fiction" was selected at the prestigious 1st Red Sea International Film Festival as the top 15 short films in Saudi Arabia in 2021 and won at the Global Film Awards for Best Drama Short in Los Angeles, USA in 2022.
Ahsan's latest project, the Saudi Short Film "Sukoon - Addiction of Silence," showcases his distinctive and unconventional storytelling style. It marks him as the first Pakistani Filmmaker to have films selected at the Saudi Film Festival, breaking barriers in the Middle East's film landscape as a Pakistani, now collaborating with the Saudis & Americans.
The accolades for "Sukoon" continued with wins for "Best Foreign Short" at the Anatolian Film Awards 2023. Ahsan's prowess as a director and screenwriter was further recognized with "Best Director & Best Screenplay" awards at the Independent Shorts Awards 2023. "Sukoon" also earned an official selection at Hollywood Blvd. Film Festival 2023 and winning big at the Sharjah International Film Festival 2023 in UAE for "Best Middle East Short Film". Ahsan's films are a testament to his commitment to meaningful & universal storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide. He firmly believes in the power of cinema to initiate conversations and evoke emotions, making it a vital medium for societal change and cultural evolution.
Support his work on Instagram.
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