LIGHTS, CAMERA, PASSION
Zainab’s Journey To Filmmaking
By Sidfa Ilyas & Maham Jamil
By Sidfa Ilyas & Maham Jamil
Zainab Nasir journey to becoming a filmmaker is a remarkable tale of passion. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Zainab grew up in a middle-class family where conventional career paths like engineering and medicine were the norm.
Despite societal expectations, she harbored a love for movies from a very young age. Her early fascination with films was evident, as she spent countless hours watching movies on channels like Star Gold. Although her parents hoped she would become a doctor, Zainab’s passion for storytelling manifested early. At the age of 11, she began secretly writing articles and poetry for Young World, a popular Dawn News magazine for children.
Her talent shone through when she won a nationwide writing competition at the age of 12, a feat that subtly indicated her future path. As she grew older, Zainab’s ambitions evolved. Initially, she aspired to become a photographer, influenced by her creative inclinations. Her time at the Visual Studies (VS) Department further honed her storytelling skills, leading her to realize that filmmaking was the most powerful medium to convey her stories. She understood that films had a broader reach and impact, motivating her to pursue this field passionately.
Zainab Nasir‘s time at Visual Studies Department(VS) at UoK, marked a significant period in her filmmaking journey. Before joining VS, she had no experience in film, documentary, or advertising. At VS, she chose the film program over graphics, driven by her passion for storytelling. Financial constraints and a lack of parental support led her to work multiple freelance writing jobs to fund her education.
Living just six minutes from VS, Zainab Nasir enjoyed a unique campus life, balancing her studies with freelance work. The VS environment was tough but enriching, fostering practical learning and resilience. Zainab focused on screenwriting, earning distinctions, and eventually ventured into photography and direction.
Her first significant project was product photography for Hobo by Hub, which honed her technical skills. Despite juggling three jobs unrelated to screenwriting, Zainab persisted. Her thesis film, “Kachchi Mitti,” reflected her struggles, portraying an artist’s battle against commercial pressures. This film earned her a TED talk on female filmmakers in Pakistan.
Zainab Nasir’s time at the Visual Studies Department highlighted significant gaps in the practical aspects of filmmaking education. Despite excelling in screenwriting, she found that hands-on experience with technical equipment was lacking. It wasn’t until her third year that she had the chance to operate a camera, which she could afford only after saving for years to purchase her own. Her thesis project, “Kachchi Mitti,” a testament to her resourcefulness, was created on a tight budget.
Zainab Nasir strongly advocates for universities to provide more equipment and practical opportunities for students. Access to cameras, lights, and dedicated experimentation spaces is crucial for developing competent filmmakers in Pakistan.
Zainab’s next big step is to move abroad and gain international exposure in other countries and industries. Zainab emphasizes the importance of storytelling driven by passion rather than profit, acknowledging the long struggle for financial success. Despite these challenges, she believes that those who persist in their filmmaking endeavors will eventually succeed.
Zainab Nasir advises aspiring filmmakers that films are fueled by passion.
“If you have a good story, the right collaborators, and resources will find you. Get your concept and stories in place, and don’t be afraid to pitch! Hard work, determination, and networking will get you places that nothing else would.”
