Filming for
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The Person Within the Frames | Painting for Freedom | Journey of the Swallows
Title graphics and poster design for documentary films
The following film titles were created for my friend Amin Kamrani, a documentary filmmaker and photographer. As regular collaborators, we have a shared interest in telling stories that transcend borders and speak for humanity.
PAINTING FOR FREEDOM (2021)
Directed and shot by Amin Kamrani, and co-produced with me, this heartfelt documentary tells the story of Zahra, a young Afghan Hazara girl living in Malaysia. The film captures Zahra's dreams of becoming a great artist one day, despite the challenges she faces as a refugee. Made for the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) as part of their campaign against xenophobia and anti-refugee sentiments during the Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia, this project sheds light on the resilience and creativity of young refugees like Zahra.
JOURNEY OF THE SWALLOWS (2021)
Directed and shot by Amin Kamrani, and co-produced with me, this documentary captures the inspiring journey of Parastoo, a refugee-based theater group in Malaysia. Founded by an Afghan refugee, Parastoo uses Theater of the Oppressed techniques to navigate the challenges faced by refugees. The film showcases their unwavering commitment to self-improvement and empowerment in the face of adversity. Made for the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) as part of their campaign against xenophobia and anti-refugee sentiments during the Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia, this project offers a window into the human connections that transcend borders, inviting viewers to witness the transformative power of art.
THE PERSON WITHIN THE FRAMES (2023)
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This film is a portrait documentary of 3 refugees in Malaysia – a Syrian queer poet, an Iranian artist and an Afghan boxer who carry on with their careers despite the challenges they are facing.
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I wanted to emphasise that each refugee is an individual with their own uniqueness and way of being. I simply am saying, look there is a person within these frames, let’s see what we can learn from them.
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– Amin Kamrani, interview with the Vibes
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The film was first premiered in the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre in 2022 but an extended version of it will be released in 2023.
