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Interview: Filmmaker from Dallas

Posted 1 year ago

We are looking for an arts reporter to do a Q-and-A with a Dallas man who directed the movie Faisal Goes West. He is raising money to take the film into post-production. See more info and a trailer here: http://www.indiegogo.com/Faisal-Goes-Worldwide.

The story would be due just before the fundraising campaign expires. It would need to be 600-800 words. Below is more information about the film.

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What is Faisal Goes West? Faisal Goes West is a narrative (fiction) film depicting a Khartoum city kid at a Texas chicken farm.

Synopsis: Faisal and his family join the millions who have come to America in search of a better life. Unfortunately, they chose to do so in the midst of an economic crisis--along with cultural and linguistic barriers. Faisal, hoping for college, finds himself at a chicken farm.

FILMING IN TEXAS | Half in English, Half in Arabi: The United States keeps Sudan on a "terror watch list"--we brought Sudan to the heart of Texas for eight days of filmmaking.

Our international cast was highlighted by talented actors Ramey Dawoud, Tamador Sheikheldin, Azmi Abusam and several others. Filmmakers Alyaa Sirelkhatim and Ehab Abasaeed joined our crew from the UK and Washington, D.C. A strong core of over 30 Dallas-based volunteers and professionals was led by Rani Birchfield, our standout Producer.

Pre-production and filming were made a reality by backers from all over the crowd-funding universe, from L.A. to Dubai to Kuala Lumpur!

Taking Faisal to another level: Our driving passion is to see the art of filmmaking break cultural and stereotypical boundaries. We continue our commitment to bring together top talent for each step of the process, from actors to musicians to post-production and marketing.

Post-production of the film is underway with sights set on the world's greatest film festivals, and once again we're relying on a global crowdfunding effort to get there--this time on IndieGoGo.

DIRECTOR'S NOTE: I wrote this script to convey the experiences of many friends--and myself, moving from the U.S. to Chad as a child--who make the journey from one land to another. There often comes a point in moving where the newcomer is distanced from friends, loved ones, and relatives--even those who made the trip. Only she or he can fully touch, taste, and breathe the bittersweet moments of growth and change that happen within.