Sheer Qorma
Sheer Qorma is a story of belonging and acceptance, identity and family, and how it comes together under one roof, as resilient, queer Muslim women and non-binary characters of colour, choose to embrace love that exists beyond their personal beliefs and social moralities.
Interview with Writer/Director Faraz Arif Ansari
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I grew up in the 90's in India. I had zero queer representation in media, television or films while growing up. Whatever representation did exist was extremely regressive and problematic that only lead to bullying and harassment. One of the reasons I wanted to be a filmmaker was to change this by bringing forward progressive queer representation so that we can open a larger dialogue on inclusion and acceptance. My latest film, Sheer Qorma, was born out of that dire need for representation.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Sheer Qorma champions narratives of queer Muslim women and non-binary folks of colour. It champions a narrative of acceptance and love in a universal story that will leave audiences feeling that warmth of love. Sheer Qorma is a film that makes you rethink gender, the idea of sexuality, the understanding of family and the power of love.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Sheer Qorma has been born out of a personal desire to be loved, embraced and accepted --- something that most queer folks struggle to have in their lives. What makes the film universal is the story of the mother and her child and how they both long to love one another but struggle with their beliefs, their faith and their identities. I believe when the story is so deeply personal, it becomes universal. Honest, real emotions always find a way to connect with audiences across the globe, irrespective of one's nationality, sexuality, race or religion.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Evolution is natural in cinema. Usually, a story evolves from the time it is written to the time it is filmed. The energies of the crew, the actors, the location --- everything adds up to what one ends up capturing. With Sheer Qorma, there was a gentle evolution --- the actors added their own nuances to the performances, some dialogues evolved during the filming through personal experiences and anecdotes of members of the crew and there was a constant sense of keeping the storytelling sublime and subtle that resonated through every department.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Its all been very overwhelming. Since our world premiere at FRAMELINE in June 2021, Sheer Qorma has won 55 International Awards at some of the most celebrated, BAFTA and Academy qualifying film festivals. Other than the immensely successful festival run, the audiences reactions have been beyond words --- My team and I are flooded with messages across social media.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback has made me realise that there will always be a place for honest, sensitive, sublime storytelling narratives that champions healing and love, no matter where we are.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I want more people to watch the film! I want us to travel across the world with Sheer Qorma. I want to have dialogues on acceptance and love with more and more audiences. The message of this film is so powerful and it has must get all the sunshine for it truly deserves it.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We need everyone to come forward to amplify the message of Sheer Qorma. Producers, Sales Agents, Talent Agents, Buyers, Distributors, Journalists, Diversity and Inclusion Heads of Corporations, Heads of Schools, Colleges and Universities and even individuals who would want to sponsor screening for their community and friends --- we need all the love and support.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want Sheer Qorma to continue to open conversations on acceptance, love and healing --- not just for queer folks and their families but for all families, irrespective of your sexuality or gender identity.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Sheer Qorma, although a film about love and acceptance, is a deeply political film. It brings forward narratives not just about sexuality and gender identities but also about nationalities, womanhood, the idea of family and one's faith. People are always so apprehensive to talk about sexuality and faith in the same sentence. Sheer Qorma urges one to do so and without offending anyone but making one see beyond our own prejudices.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently working on very exciting projects --- a science fiction meets fantasy, a queer mainstream musical film and a drama thriller horror in the slice-of-life space.
Interview: March 2022
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Sheer Qorma
Length:
30:00
Writer/Director
FARAZ ARIF ANSARI is an international award winning filmmaker. Faraz's cinematic journey is to mainstream universal narratives that champion stories of the underrepresented and to use cinema as a tool for healing and championing love, kindness and acceptance for all. Faraz identifies as non-binary, queer and a Sufi.
Producer
Marijke deSouza
Key cast:
Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, Swara Bhakser
Looking for:
sales agents, distributors, journalists, producers, buyers
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/farazarifansari/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/farazarifansari
Hashtags used:
#SheerQorma #LoveIsNotASin #LoveWins #LoveisLove #LGBT
More info:
Wicked Queer:The Boston LGBT Film Festival, Boston, 9th April, 2022