Director Luís Hindman Explores South Asian Masculinity in Film
The short film Magid / Zafar, directed by Luís Hindman and co-written with Sufiyaan Salam, debuted at the 69th BFI London Film Festival on October 18, 2023. The film, a poignant exploration of South Asian masculinity, follows two childhood friends grappling with their diverging futures within the bustling environment of a British-Pakistani takeaway. Screened as part of the “Roots and Branches” series, this English- and Urdu-language film is available for free on the BFI Player until October 26, 2023.
The film stars Eben Figueiredo as Magid and Gurjeet Singh as Zafar. Produced with the support of Future Takes, a collaborative initiative by the BFI and Channel 4’s Film4, the project aims to nurture new filmmakers throughout the entire production process.
Hindman expressed that the inspiration for Magid / Zafar stemmed from his prior work on a music video project for the artist Joesef, titled “Permanent Damage.” He noted that this project dealt with themes similar to those explored in the film. With a desire to create a narrative short that resonated with his South Asian heritage, Hindman initially envisioned a character embodying the complexities of South Asian masculinity.
“I wanted to do something in a South Asian context. I’m half South Asian, and my co-writer is as well,” Hindman explained. The character of Magid, initially portrayed as a loud and brash figure, ultimately reveals deeper layers as the film progresses. Hindman aimed to challenge typical portrayals of masculinity and identity.
The Role of Music in Storytelling
Music plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s atmosphere. Hindman carefully selected tracks that would enhance the narrative. He described the pre-production process, stating, “I had rehearsals for the film, and in rehearsal, I’d play the music that would be in the background.” The combination of contemporary Asian hip-hop and traditional qawwali music allows for a rich sonic experience that complements the film’s themes.
Hindman emphasized that music was integrated early into the editing process. Unlike traditional filmmaking practices where music is added at the end, he and his team edited scenes to align with the musical rhythm, ensuring that each moment flowed seamlessly. “We edited everything to the music for that little section, because it was all about the momentum of that scene,” he noted.
The film’s cast was carefully chosen, drawing primarily from the UK theatre scene. Hindman aimed to cast actors who could bring depth and authenticity to their roles. He believed that their theatrical backgrounds would enhance the film’s dialogue-driven narrative. “I really wanted to cast faces or people that I could see in a Xavier Dolan movie or a Claire Denis film,” he remarked, highlighting his desire for multidimensional portrayals.
Filming Process and Future Plans
The shooting process for Magid / Zafar was marked by an innovative approach. The film features a climactic scene shot in a single take, with Hindman deliberately allowing the actors to maintain a natural rhythm without over-rehearsing. He explained, “I didn’t want the actors to have figured out how that meant to move, how long it was going to take.” This decision contributed to the scene’s authenticity and emotional impact.
As for what’s next, the team behind Magid / Zafar is currently developing a feature film with Film4 and the BFI. Hindman’s commitment to exploring themes of identity and masculinity suggests that his future projects may continue to challenge conventional narratives within cinema.
The premiere of Magid / Zafar at the BFI London Film Festival marks a significant step in representing diverse stories on screen. With its unique blend of cultural perspectives and innovative storytelling, the film invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of identity and friendship within the South Asian context.
