Graphics

VIP Interview with Nebal Shafi – NYIFA® • New York International Film Awards

November 7, 2024

From South India to Los Angeles: The Inspiring Journey of a Talented Filmmaker

Nebal Shafi, a rising star in the world of independent cinema, has captivated audiences with his thought-provoking and visually stunning films. Born in South India and raised in Saudi Arabia, Shafi’s multicultural background has profoundly influenced his artistic vision, allowing him to craft stories that resonate with audiences across the globe.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into Shafi’s creative process, his latest project “Inspired,” and the inspirations that fuel his passion for filmmaking. Prepare to be inspired by this talented filmmaker’s unwavering dedication and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

Embracing the Magic of Cinema

Nebal Shafi’s love for filmmaking can be traced back to his childhood, when he was captivated by the power of cinema to captivate and inspire. “Ever since I was a kid, movies have fascinated me,” he recalls. “I’d watch them non-stop and chat about them with everyone I knew.”

Initially, Shafi had dreams of becoming a dancer, but his path took an unexpected turn when he discovered his true calling during a filmmaking elective in college. “My first movie, ‘Joanne,’ somehow made it into two film festivals, which blew my mind and got me hooked,” he shares. From that moment on, Shafi was consumed by the magic of the creative process, churning out several short films and honing his skills as a producer.

Journalistic Integrity and Personal Connections

Shafi’s background in journalism has also had a significant impact on his approach to filmmaking. “In college, I figured out that journalists always gotta stick to the facts, no matter what,” he explains. “And now, when it comes to making films, I think the same thing applies. People can totally sniff out lies in movies, so if you want your film to hit home, it’s gotta be real.”

This commitment to authenticity is evident in Shafi’s work, as he often incorporates personal experiences and connections into his films. “I always throw in a piece of myself in each of my movies,” he reveals. “Take ‘Inspired,’ for example. I wanted to highlight the journey of a young journalist hustling to prove himself to his boss. Even the main character, he’s introverted and idolizes this Crystall figure. I wanted to explore the idea of meeting your hero and it not living up to expectations.”

Cultural Influences and Diverse Perspectives

Shafi’s multicultural background has also left an indelible mark on his filmmaking style. Growing up in two vastly different countries, he gained a unique perspective on the world, recognizing both the diversity and the underlying similarities that connect us all as human beings.

“Growing up in two countries really opened my eyes to the world, especially in terms of culture,” Shafi explains. “I saw firsthand how even though we’re all human, we can be so different yet so similar at the same time. It hit me that our similarities are what I want to emphasize in my films, making them more universally relatable.”

The Making of “Inspired”

Shafi’s latest project, “Inspired,” is a captivating blend of thriller and horror, exploring themes of inspiration, ambition, and the unexpected consequences of pursuing one’s dreams. The film’s development was a journey in itself, as Shafi navigated the challenges of a tight budget and a demanding shooting schedule.

“I began working on this script back in early 2021, and let me tell you, it was quite the journey,” he says. “I went through about four drafts before we finally got around to shooting it in late 2021. The shoot itself was a real challenge—it was tight, and we were working with a minimal budget. In fact, it was my most ambitious project yet, and we really pushed the limits with what we had.”

Despite the obstacles, Shafi’s commitment to the project never wavered. He embraced a collaborative approach with his actors, allowing for a great deal of improvisation and raw emotion on set. “I’m a big believer in improvisation,” he shares. “I find that working this way really allows the actors to tap into raw emotion and truly inhabit the scene.”

Crafting Mood and Tone Through Color and Sound

Shafi’s attention to detail extends beyond the narrative, as he meticulously crafts the visual and auditory elements of his films. In “Inspired,” the use of color and sound plays a crucial role in setting the mood and tone.

“The characters themselves were the inspiration behind the color choices of red and purple,” Shafi explains. “I decided to use purple as Aaron’s color, representing his minimalistic nature, while red became Crystal’s color, reflecting her dominant personality. As the movie progresses and Aaron starts to transition into Crystal, I wanted to visually represent this shift by switching the colors.”

The soundtrack and sound effects in “Inspired” also contribute to the film’s cutting-edge intensity. “I always had it in mind to incorporate three soundtracks: one for each of the main characters and one to underscore the emotional beats,” Shafi reveals. “I wanted to use the soundtrack strategically to evoke certain moments and memories for the audience, rather than relying on traditional flashback scenes.”

Embracing Challenges and Pursuing New Horizons

Throughout the filmmaking process, Shafi has faced a myriad of unexpected challenges, from tight budgets to demanding shooting schedules. However, he embraces these obstacles as opportunities for growth and creativity.

“When I was writing ‘Inspired,’ I aimed for a story with minimal locations to keep the budget tight,” he explains. “We ended up shooting the entire film in just three days. However, this made for a challenging shoot, especially when we had to tackle all the interior scenes in Crystal’s room in just one day, with a mountain of pages to get through.”

Undeterred by the challenges, Shafi and his team adapted, opting for handheld shots to streamline the process and save time. “Luckily, the cast came prepared, and their performances in those limited takes were fantastic,” he adds.

As Shafi looks to the future, he is excited to continue pushing the boundaries of his craft. “Right now, I’m knee-deep in working on two feature films and a short film,” he shares. “One of the features, ‘The Back Benchers,’ is in its final draft stage. It’s a light-hearted, feel-good drama that I’m really excited about. I’m also co-writing my second feature, a psychological horror film that’s shaping up to be quite intense.”

But his most current project is the short film titled “Flower,” which he describes as his “most ambitious project to date, with a significantly higher budget.” Shafi is deeply invested in this project, having produced, co-directed, and co-written it with his long-time partner, Hyunjin Lee. “The story is deeply personal, unique, and layered with a powerful theme,” he enthuses. “We’re aiming to release it by the end of 2024, and I couldn’t be more excited about sharing it with the world.”

Conclusion

Nebal Shafi’s journey as a filmmaker is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a keen eye for storytelling. From his humble beginnings in South India to his current success in Los Angeles, Shafi has consistently pushed the boundaries of his craft, creating films that captivate and inspire.

Through his work, Shafi has not only shared his own personal experiences but has also given voice to the universal experiences that connect us all as human beings. With each new project, he continues to explore the depths of the human condition, blending genres and exploring the unexpected in a way that leaves a lasting impression on his audience.

As Shafi looks to the future, it’s clear that his ambition and creativity know no bounds. Whether he’s crafting a light-hearted drama or delving into the realms of psychological horror, his unwavering commitment to his craft and his desire to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cinema will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

For those aspiring filmmakers looking to follow in Shafi’s footsteps, his advice is simple: “Embrace the challenges, stay true to your vision, and never stop exploring the magic of cinema.” With these words as a guiding light, Nebal Shafi’s legacy as a trailblazing filmmaker is sure to continue to grow and inspire for years to come.