The '19'
ABOUT ME
I am a creative facilitator who is passionate about working with people from different walks of life, helping them to share their stories by providing them with a platform to be heard. I have facilitated and produced a range of creative projects from live theatre, film and animation with a range of diverse young people from all different types of backgrounds and delivered in a variety of settings including theatres, schools, colleges and community groups.
I am proud to have launched 'Blurred Lines' in 2019, a short film tackling child criminal exploitation and the dangers of modern slavery, as part of Greater Manchester's week of action on exploitation which is being used to educate young people.
In early 2020 I shot 'Changing The Narrative' funded by Leverhulme Trust to uncover what it means to be female and British Muslim. The documentary explores what that experience is like under the current political landscape.
I made a film part of GMCA creative commissions response to COVID 19 'My Week in Lockdown' and spent the summer working with Trafford schools, funded by Trafford Council, on a short film looking at three secondary schools as they ease out of lockdown called 'Transitions'. Currently planning projects for 2021 including a film about Knife Crime with Bury Council and a Domestic Abuse documentary funded by Rochdale Council.
My background
Working as a professional actor for more than 15 yrs, being involved in a two time Bafta award winning Drama series has given me the confidence and skills to work with film and stagecraft. Coming from a South Asian heritage, second generation, has shaped me and my experiences and provided me with a belief that I want community to always be at the heart of what I do. My background as a teacher has given me skills to create a safe, nurturing environment to explore and create drama, build confidence and nurture imagination.
My recent work includes the Royal Exchange Theatre and M6 Theatre where I delivered groundbreaking and award winning creative projects. Part of my success is that I am a firm believer in partnership working and creating legacy work that is able to sustain itself long after I complete a project. I have received the award of 'Best Cultural Facilitator' for two years running and have won 'Artist Of The Year 2018'in the Rochdale Cultural and Sports awards.
The work I deliver always has a local and authentic voice but I aim to platform the work locally, nationally and internationally. Recent films I have produced have been selected for film festivals in the USA, London and Europe and the plays I have recently directed have also won awards for breaking barriers in particular working within marginalised communities.
Writing
I am also experienced in writing for TV and theatre and am currently part of the Emmerdale story writers team and have several other writing credits.
'Under Pressure' 30mn CBBC Living It Series - Writer BBC/Mentorn Productions (Freelancer)
School drama. Tensions arise when brothers Farid and Amar fall out over Amar's wish to spend more time at the local Mosque. Can he really prefer religion to cricket?
'Ring A King' Short film - Writer - Selected to be shown in Cannes part of the British Connection - LA Productions (Freelancer)
Naz a local cabbie from the streets of Manchester, whilst driving the good, the bad and the undesirables from A to B his OCD'S to keep his taxi clean is burdening on the obsessive. With a serial killer on the loose his OCD's go into overdrive, will he survive the night.
I am always interested in working with new partners to inspire groups through the mediums of theatre, animation or film. So please get in touch if you’d like to talk to me about a potential project.