Director Seemab Gul discusses the coming of age film “Sandstorm”

Seemab Gul’s SANDSTORM is a coming-of-age story that navigates the tricky terrain of internet dating in a conservative Muslim society. We spoke to filmmaker Seemad Gul about her journey in creating this film.

Interview with Seemab Gul

Director, writer, and co-producer Seemab Gul is a Pakistani artist and filmmaker based in London with a BA in Fine Art and an MA in Filmmaking from the London Film School. Her films interweave documentary and fictional elements to explore social-political stories and often focus on the outsider experience.

Her award-winning short film SANDSTORM (Mulaqat) premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival and at Sundance Film Festival 2022. It won the Grand Prize at the RIIFF 2022 and Best Live Action award at Hollyshorts Film Festival amongst many other awards.

Sandstorm

SANDSTORM shares the story of Zara who searches for the strength to reject the confines of a patriarchal society. The film questions the objectification of the female body and its relationship to honor in Pakistani culture. SANDSTORM has qualified to be considered for the 95th Academy Awards® after winning the top awards at Rhode Island and HollyShorts Film Festivals.

Where to watch Sandstorm

Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2022, UK (Official Selection) 1 – 6 November,  York – 1 – 30

Aaretaler Kurzfilmfestival 2022, Switzerland (Official Selection) 4-6 November 2022

Denver Film Festival 2022, US (Official Selection) Denver 2-13 November 2022

International Short Film Festival Berlin 2022, Germany  (Official Selection) Berlin from 15 to 20 November 2022

25th Short Film Night in Lausanne 2022, Switzerland Lausanne, 19 November

20minmax Int. Short Film Festival 2022, Germany (Official Selection) Ingolstadt from 18 -25 November 2022

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