ARTIST BIO
Ali Shaan Khemani is a passionate, independent filmmaker born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan who currently resides in Montreal, Quebec. He creates content that aims to be thought-provoking and which sparks curiosity within his audience. He is a first batch graduate of Pakistan’s National Academy of Performing Arts and has a diploma in Film Production from Trebas Institute Montreal. He is the recipient of eight international awards as a producer, director and writer. Major achievements include TV shows like “Chal Parha” for GeoNews, feature film “Beans” for Amazon Prime, web-series “TAXI 911” for Netflix, and “Kaha Suna Maaf” for Express TV. Ali Shaan has also been involved in directing and producing short films, documentaries, and advertisements for Unilever Pakistan, Dawn News, and other entertainment TV channels.
Contributors
Music Director: Asif Noorani
DP: Rehman Ali, Muhammad Belaal Imran
Camera Operator: Manan
Editor: Halar
Producer Director: Ali Shaan Khemani
Color Grade: Sharpimage
Creative: Waqas Hussain
ARTWORK DESCRIPTION
SHORT FILM
The short documentary film celebrates the artists’ guruji, British-Pakistani actor, producer, director, television broadcaster and dramatist, Zia Mohyeddin, and his connection and love for Shakespeare. The artists’ film shares with the audience a glimpse into a world of Shakespeare beyond borders and language. The artist explores the prompt of “identity and self” through the eyes of Zia Mohyeddin and his adaptation of Shakespearean tragedies in the Urdu language which is the artists’ mother tongue. It is through these adaptations that the viewer truly appreciates Zia’s own beautiful, inspiring, and unique character reflected in his work. The artist also explores “power and authority” as Zia’s leadership and rigour has not only guided the artist but has fostered spaces for many young talented artists to rise to the stage to speak their hearts and minds, and guides them to bring forth their very best to every play he directs. As the current President Emeritus of the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Pakistan, he utilizes his role to mentor actors, producers, and directors who are now performing in mainstream cinema, theater, and television.
