Mina Isabella JafriMalik

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your background in filmmaking?

My name is Mina JafriMalik and I am a former model and actress turned filmmaker.

 

What inspired you to become a filmmaker, and how did you get started in the industry?

I began my journey in the entertainment industry on the other side of the camera as a model and actress. After some time away from show business, I found that I wanted to be able to tell stories about human rights issues that touch my heart.

 

What was your motivation behind creating this particular film?

When I heard about what happened to little Asifa, I was heartbroken, angered, and felt a deep drive inside me to bring her story to light.

 

Did you face any challenges during the production process? If so, how did you overcome them?

The reenactment sequence was directed over Zoom, which can make it difficult and things get lost in translation. However, I had an incredible team who were able to bring my vision to life.

 

Can you discuss the creative decisions you made while developing your film, such as the visual style or narrative approach?

For the reenactment sequence, I wanted to keep it as close to what really happened as possible. I wanted the audience to be able to feel Asifa’s fear and pain, to be able to sympathize with her, while remaining cognizant of the fact that this was all happening to a little, defenseless girl from an underprivileged community.

 

Are there any specific themes or messages that you aimed to convey through your film?

I wanted to convey that no matter the danger, there are people willing to speak up for what is right, as seen with the interviews done with Asifa’s family’s attorney, Mubeen Farooqui, and former Chief Minister Madame Mehbooba Mufti.

 

How do you feel your film stands out from others in the same genre or category?

I think the soundtrack we have put in this documentary and the reenactment sequence really set this documentary apart from others in the genre.

 

What do you hope the audience will take away from watching your film?

I hope that they can step outside of themselves for a moment, put themselves in that young girl’s shoes, and feel what she felt, realize how horrific the ordeal she was put through was, and want to do something about it.

 

Can you share any interesting or memorable experiences you had while making this film?

When I saw the costume for little Zainab, who played Asifa in the reenactment sequence, I was struck by how my team was able to have something crafted that looked exactly like what Asifa wore in her final days. Seeing Zainab wearing that and her performance shook me to the core.

 

What are your aspirations as a filmmaker, and where do you see yourself in the future?

I hope to continue telling stories that matter and bringing important issues to light.

 

Are there any filmmakers or films that have greatly influenced your work?

Michael Moore is a great inspiration of mine. I admire his work immensely.

 

Have you participated in any other film festivals or competitions? If so, how was your experience?

This is my first season submitting to film festivals or competitions, so hopefully by the next time we chat, I can give you more of an answer! However, the response has been very encouraging so far.

 

Is there anything else you would like the audience and the film festival organizers to know about you or your film?

Stories like Asifa’s are, tragically, not uncommon. We must work together as a society to create an environment where our little girls are safe and don’t have to live in fear. Where stories like Asifa’s don’t happen.