Help us make our Short Film- The Colony
Donation protected
Hello! My name is Amna Rehman. I am the founder of the award-winning production company, Some Like It Studios. I have partnered with Director, Arsal Amir, to help produce his film- The Colony. And we need YOUR help to make this vision a reality!
Story:
Under the totalitarian rule of General Aurangzeb in a Dystopian Pakistan, Hamza is a scavenger who dreams of winning the annual lottery ticket that allows the victors to enter an all-elite society known as The Colony. While his friend, Daud seems content with his life under General Aurangzeb, another friend, Kamran openly criticizes the regime. Hamza, however, keeps his views to himself.
Hamza's life intersects with Shahrazad, a spirited young prostitute trapped under the control of the abusive Jalal. Things escalate and Kamran is taken away by the authorities. Hamza and Shahrazad's friendship, forged through shared dreams of escape, culminates in a fateful night of violence when Hamza encounters Jalal. Hamza wins the lottery and a place in The Colony.
The gleam of hope dims as Hamza uncovers the sinister truth behind the lottery, setting the stage for a chilling confrontation with General Aurangzeb that will irrevocably alter Hamza's destiny.
Director's Statement:
The Colony is a film that explores the unbreakable human spirit and the eternal struggle for freedom in the face of oppression. It is a story that has been inspired by the resilience of individuals who have endured tyranny and injustice throughout history.
Set in a dystopian Pakistan, the film takes the audience on a journey through the life of Hamza, a selfless citizen trying to break the chains that bind him in a totalitarian regime. Hamza's daily existence is characterized by surveillance, fear, and a relentless quest for a ticket to the annual lottery, which promises a chance to enter the elusive and privileged society known as The Colony.
The introduction of Shahrazad, a young prostitute longing to escape from her life of torment, represents the fragile hope that exists even in the bleakest of circumstances. The relationship that develops between Hamza and Shahrazad serves as a beacon of light, offering a glimpse of the strength that can be found in unity.
As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses Hamza's victory in the lottery, only to have his dreams shattered when the true nature of The Colony is revealed. General Aurangzeb's ruthless control over the lives of the citizens, and the sinister manipulation of the lottery, serve as a stark reminder of the corrupting influence of unchecked power.
The Colony is a powerful commentary on the human cost of authoritarianism, the price of silence, and the enduring power of resistance. It is a story of sacrifice, self-discovery, and the pursuit of justice in an unjust world.
In bringing The Colony to life, I request your assistance so every frame, every line of dialogue, and every emotion can be conveyed on screen. Together, we aim to create a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that asks fundamental questions about freedom, morality, and the choices we make in the face of adversity.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who will contribute to this project, from the talented actors who will bring these characters to life to the skilled technicians who will meticulously craft each scene.
Thank you for joining us on this cinematic journey, and I hope The Colony leaves you with a renewed appreciation for the value of freedom and the power of resilience.
Why we need funding-
We are embarking on an exciting journey to create a captivating short film that we believe will resonate with audiences on a deep and meaningful level. However, bringing this vision to life comes with its fair share of challenges, both creative and logistical. Your support is crucial in making this project a reality, and here's why:
- Production Quality: To deliver a film that stands out and captures the essence of our story, we need access to professional equipment, talented crew members, and locations that breathe life into our narrative. Your contributions will enable us to invest in high-quality cameras, lighting, sound equipment, art, costumes, and talented professionals who can make our vision come to life.
- Artistic Freedom: We want to create a short film that goes beyond the ordinary and touches the hearts of viewers. With your support, we can focus on storytelling, allowing us the creative freedom to bring unique and impactful characters to the screen, ensuring the utmost authenticity and resonance.
- Transportation: Our story unfolds in diverse locations that are crucial to the narrative. Your funding will help cover transportation costs for the cast and crew, allowing us to reach these essential locations. Whether it's a remote countryside or an urban setting, ensuring the team can get there efficiently is pivotal to the success of the project.
- Post-Production: After filming, there's an essential step in the filmmaking process: post-production. This includes editing, color correction, sound design, and visual effects, all of which enhance the final product. Your funding will help us achieve the highest level of production value, ensuring the film looks and sounds its absolute best.
- Compensation for Cast and Crew: It's essential that we compensate our talented cast and crew for their hard work and dedication. Your support ensures that the people who contribute their time and skills to this project are fairly rewarded for their efforts.
- Festival Submission: To reach a broader audience and potentially get our short film into film festivals, we need funds for submission fees, promotional materials, and travel expenses for our team. Your contribution will open doors to wider recognition and opportunities for our project.
The Colony is a dystopian sci-fi short film that promises to immerse audiences in a world of intrigue and imagination. Our initial goal is set at $5000, the minimum amount required to kickstart this venture and lay the foundation for an extraordinary cinematic experience. However, given the intricate nature of our story, set against the backdrop of a dystopian world, the production costs associated with bringing this vision to life are substantial. Creating the immersive atmosphere demanded by our narrative involves intricate set designs, special effects, and attention to detail, all of which contribute to the expense. As we embark on this creative journey, we want to be transparent about the possibility of adjusting our funding goal to ensure we capture the essence of our dystopian universe authentically. Your support is invaluable, and together, we can surpass our initial goal, enabling 'The Colony' to reach its full potential and offer audiences a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
Team-
Arsal Amir - Director/Writer
Arsal Amir, a graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Film from the esteemed National College of Arts, is a prolific indie director and talented writer. He has directed and produced many short films and music videos. His writing has breathed life into many successful short films, and his directorial debut, Aun vs Sudrom, gained international acclaim at the Muslim International Film Festival. Notably, his short film, The Shoe Thief, has collected numerous awards, solidifying Arsal's position as a rising star in the indie film world. His unique vision and storytelling ability promise a bright future in the industry.
His showreel: Filmmaker's Showreel 2023 Arsal Amir
Akif Farooqui - Producer
Akif Farooqui is a highly accomplished filmmaker with extensive experience in directing and producing short films and documentaries. With a keen eye for storytelling, he has captivated audiences with his unique approach to visual narratives. Akif's work reflects a deep passion for the art of filmmaking and a commitment to exploring a wide range of subjects and themes. His creative journey has been defined by his ability to craft compelling stories and bring them to life on the screen.
Sarmad Shafique - Editor/DP/Producer
Sarmad Shafique, a filmmaker and 2020 graduate of the National College of Arts, is a multi-talented individual. He has directed and produced music videos, short films, and a few web series, demonstrating his versatility in the world of cinema. His expertise in both editing and cinematography has allowed him to bring a unique and captivating perspective to visual storytelling. Additionally, Sarmad has honed his craft by assisting as an assistant director alongside industry giants like Sarmad Khoosat, contributing to their notable projects. His journey in the world of filmmaking promises to be a captivating one.
Amna Rehman - Producer
Amna Rehman, a recent graduate from Sam Houston State University, holds a BFA in Film/TV Production. As the Founder of the acclaimed production company, Some Like It Studios, Amna combines her creative vision with technical expertise to craft compelling cinematic experiences. Her journey in the world of film has seen her excel as an Assistant Director and Producer on diverse projects, including short films, music videos, and commercials. Amna's ability to seamlessly blend her creative flair with technical acumen is evident in her innovative and impactful work within the film industry.
Production Company Youtube: Some Like It Studios
Perks!
Support 'The Colony,' our captivating short film that explores the untold stories of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. By contributing to our project, you're not just backing a film; you're helping us bring to life a unique, thought-provoking narrative that challenges and inspires. Your donation fuels creativity and empowers independent filmmaking, allowing us to deliver a powerful and visually stunning cinematic experience. Together, we can shed light on the human spirit's strength and tenacity in an ever-changing world. Be a part of our journey, and let's craft an unforgettable story that will resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact.
If you donate $20 or more- you will get a special thank you shout-out in the credits of this film!
If you donate $100 or more- you will be invited to an online Q&A session with the director and a digital copy of the poster! (+ all of the above)
If you donate $500 or more- you will have access to BTS videos and a special early viewing of the film! (+ all of the above)
If you donate $1000 or more- YOU will be an Executive Producer! (+ all of the above)
We appreciate all our donors and people who are supporting us through the making of this film!
Inspiration-
Organizer
Amna Rehman
Organizer
Huntsville, TX