Filmi 21!
Filmi Toronto’s South Asian Film Festival Celebrating 21 Years!
December 9th-10th, 2023
21st Filmi: Toronto’s South Asian film festival
Harbourfront Centre
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Taboo
“Taboo” unfolds the poignant narrative of Naureen (Nawal Salim) as she grapples with the aftermath of her best friend Yousef’s (Abdul-Shakur Alawi) suicide attempt. In a vulnerable state, Yousef witnesses his community shutting him out, adding layers of complexity to an already precarious situation. While Huda hasn’t directly encountered the specific circumstances depicted in the film, the authenticity of Naureen and Yousef’s emotions deeply resonated with her.
The inception of “Taboo” traces back to Huda’s time at UTM, where the film’s concept was born from two profoundly impactful life experiences. One involved a close relative undergoing hospitalization due to a severe anxiety attack, shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles surrounding mental health. Another scenario unfolded with a friend who battled depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Amidst her friend’s emotional turmoil, Huda grappled with a sense of helplessness, uncertain of how to provide meaningful support during those challenging moments.
The film serves as a nuanced exploration of mental health challenges, drawing inspiration from real-life instances that touched Huda personally. As she navigates the delicate threads of friendship, mental health, and societal perceptions, “Taboo” emerges as a poignant reflection on the complexities of human connection and the often unspoken struggles individuals face.
Director Nesa Huda
Nesa Huda, a screenwriter and director, is the Canadian daughter of South Asian immigrants and holds a Screenwriting MFA from Boston University. Her storytelling gravitates towards narratives centered on being Muslim in North America, portraying characters unapologetically embracing their identities, adorned with hijabs and unlinked to terrorism. With a keen focus on themes like childhood, love, and mental health, she even ventured into a unique territory with a mafia movie featuring a Muslim character.
Among her creative works is a comedy pilot titled “The Madresa,” drawing inspiration from her childhood experiences in an Islamic School, offering a blend reminiscent of “Abbott Elementary” meeting “Never Have I Ever.” Not confined to writing, Nesa has also written, directed, and produced the short film “Taboo.” The film delves into the life of Naureen, a Muslim girl whose best friend Yousef attempts suicide, exploring the repercussions within their friendship and the broader community, particularly considering the cardinal sin in Islam.
Supported by the Ontario Arts Council and community crowdfunding, “Taboo” stands out for its commitment to inclusivity, with 90% of the crew and actors being BIPOC. Nesa prioritizes creating a safe space, influenced by her own experiences of feeling unsafe as the sole visibly Muslim hijabi on sets, often the only person of color. This dedication underscores her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all involved in her projects.
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