BOOT POLISH A Film by aneel ahmad Official site's Film Bio
Website
aneelahmad.co.uk
Influences
If you are INTERESTED in screening Boot Polish at your festival (MAJOR, MINOR or local UK Film Festival programmes) please, please, PLEASE contact us via this site. we Hope to get the film screened to as many film festivals, Nationally and Internationally, thank you.
Above Satyajit Ray Influenced me in making Boot Polish. One of the best South Asian film directors ever to live! Check out the scene 00.58 the dancing courtesan!
Directors
ASHAN "MAGIC" BURMAN
One of my Best Friends and (FELLOW FILMMAKER) Ashan Magic Burman unfortunately past away of Cancer this week 28th September 2007
Magic was an executive producer for my last short film Waiting For Sunrise, and he also borrowed me his Digi Camera for Boot Polish, (when no one would help me) to film all the behind the scenes & to shoot most of the recce. He was my best friend, that I loved dearly and I miss him. I know he would of been proud of BOOT POLISH. I used to speak to him for Hours & days about finally getting my sh** together and making it.... and go to "VEGAS BABY VEGAS", and he always had the time to listen to me and said it will happen one day. I am so hurt that he didnt get to see the film on the SILVER Screen as I did his nut in for 3 years since 2004 regarding Boot Polish. MY FILM IS DEDICATED to my friend MAGIC - Bro I didnt let you down, Boot Polish is the BOMB, people really like it! And I really miss you man... It hurts me.
aneel x
Magic was a HIPPY as so to speak, he was a free spirit and a HINDU, He believes in LIFE after Death and would want you to celebrate his life and not to be upset.
And INSHALLAH - he will always be in my heart , he was my best friend.
Awards
Above Satyajit Ray Influenced me in making Boot Polish. One of the best South Asian film directors ever to live! Check out the scene 00.58 the dancing courtesan!
MUGHAL -e- AZAM 1960 Dir K. ASIF
Set in the 16th century AD, the movie brings to life the tale of the doomed love affair between the Mughal Crown Prince Saleem and the beautiful, ill-fated court dancer, whose fervor and intensity perpetrates a war between the prince and his father the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, and threatens to bring an empire to its knees.
Festivals
Cannes Film Festival 07(France)
NWV UKFC Digi Plus Screening
Leith Short Film Festival 07(Scotland)
21st NAPA SONOMAS 07 (USA)
NOMINATED for Best International short
Rushes Soho Shorts 07(England) Digi Plus NWV UKFC screening
Bombay Mix Film Festival 07(England)
10th Bfm International Film Festival 07 NOMINATED for Best
International short
WINNER of Best cinematography
13th Bite The Mango International Film Festival 07(England) NOMINATED for Golden Mango
Oct 07 Meiff Film Festival TOP 20 FINALIST Worlds PRESTIGIOUS INCIRCLE Pearl Grant (Abu Dhabi)
4th Sedicicorto International Film Festival Forli October (Italy)
NOMINATED for Best World Short
Santa Maria International de Feira Festival November 07(Portugal)
NOMINATED for Best International Short
5th Buffalo International Black & Asian short film festival 21st October 07
Pakistani Film, Media & Arts Festival 07 Nov(Scotland)
13th Encounters International Short Festival 07Bristol(England) (Nov)NWV UKFC Digi Plus Screening
The Compass of Resistance International Film Festival (Nov) Bristol 07
4th Salford Film Festival November (England)2007
(BFI)British Film Institute National Archive (JAN 08) Boot Polish & Waiting For Sunrise (2005)have been acquisitioned for British National film heritage archive.
5th Park City Music Film Festival Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah (USA) JAN 2008
WINNER Gold Medal for Excellence in Music
2nd Psarokokalo festival (Athens) Feb 08(Salford TOURING Festival) 08
ViBGYOR Kerala International Film Festival (INDIA) Feb 08
Cafe Liber (Italy) Torino 1st March 2008 (Special Private Q&A Screening Boot Polish & Waiting For Sunrise)
Tiburon International Film Festival(USA) March 08 Awards -Golden Reel Award
WINNER BEST Short Foreign Film Route 66 Film Festival (USA) Sep 08
AZADigital Cinema Festival 2008 Sep 08 September (Greece)
BOOT POLISH A Film by aneel ahmad Official site's Interests
General
Above the BOOT POLISH TEAM At the BFM Awards 07 (London West End)
Kelly Broad, Andrea Farrena, Ian Bishop.
Aneel & Ellie on a rekky in Lahore Pakistan for BOOT POLISH 2005
Below are COMMENTS FOR WAITING FOR SUNRISE 2004 - A short documentary made in 2004/05
'POOR PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED TO HAVE THE SAME DREAMS AS ANYONE ELSE'.
if you get to watch Boot Polish then you will defo understand the words above.
Music
Movies
WAITING FOR SUNRISE
WINNER of the UNITED NATIONS UNICEF AWARD 2005
Shortlisted FINAL 8 for one of the most Prestigous Documentary Awards in the UK. THE GRIERSON AWARDS 2006. This film went on to make appearances at festivals around the WORLD and was selected by THE BRITISH COUNCIL FOR FILMS/ARTS
Dear Aneel,
Waiting for Sunrise - was incredibly powerful and effective. It was a brave attempt to highlight a delicate subject, which is never easy but I felt it had the right balance of fact and emotion. It was hard-hitting and to the point.
Thanks again for letting us see your films
Good luck with all your future projects.
Best Abbie Browne
Assistant to Mike Leigh
Thin Man Productions ltd
Mike Leigh Film-maker Oscar/ Multi BAFTA winning Films
Vera Drake, Topsy Turvy, Secrets & Lies, Naked, A Sense of History
Dear Aneel
Thank you very much for sending me the film which I have viewed. It is a fantastic film.
'This is a very powerful and moving film which communicates the close up reality of poverty very effectively.
It encourages us to redouble our efforts to help create a better world through better communication.'
Well done
Regards,
Adrian
Adrian Hosford
Director, BT Corporate Responsibility
www.bt.com/betterworld
Aneel,
I watched 'Waiting for Sunrise' - powerful content, it leaves its mark and I agree that it cries out for a longer documentary. I congratulate you on your tenacity and passion to make this project a reality. I wish you the best of luck with your endeavor.
Regards
Simon
Simon Hewlett (Twentieth Century Fox – Managing Director uk)
www.foxmovies.com
Dear Aneel Ahmad
Waiting for Sunrise: The filming in Lahore was very well done. It's a very disturbing subject and some of your images are hard to take — but it's a raw and effective piece in its short length. I don't think it should be longer. It's succinct, makes it's point and I'm not sure it would work in a longer form.
In short, keep going. You're a long way from getting where you want to be.
I wish you well.
Best,
Alan Parker
Sir Alan Parker Writer/Producer/Director. Oscar/ Multi BAFTA winning Films
Bugsy Malone, The Wall (Pink Floyd), Angel Heart, Mississippi Burning, The Commitments, Evita.
Dear Aneel
There are many films made each year but few address such poignant issues as your film does. Your film is one of those rare achievements that make you stop, think and assess what you are doing in this world. In 6 minutes you achieve more than many in 60 minutes.
Waiting For Sunrise gives a voice to the dispossessed and abused poor of this world; a voice we all need not only to listen to but also to act on.
I hope and am sure I will see more 'films of conscience' from you.
Yousaf
Talking With Angels
Yousaf Ali Khan Writer/Director
(BAFTA Nominated) Shorts SKIN DEEP, TALKING WITH ANGELS
Dear Aneel,
"Waiting For Sunrise" is a professionally executed documentary which
communicates the problems and suffering of these brave children in an
extremely powerful way. Film-makers like yourself are very important to our
industry, bringing to light situations and people often hidden from the
world.
We wish you every success and luck with this documentary and all your future
work.
Best Wishes, Ridley Scott
Natascha Maksimovic
Assistant to
Sir Ridley Scott (Oscar/Multi Bafta Winning Films) Blade Runner, Alien, Gladiator,
Thelma & Louise, kingdom of Heaven.
Dear Aneel,
Thank you so much for sending WAITING FOR SUNRISE. I found it very moving and extremely thought-provoking. This is such a topical area and there is obviously plenty of material here for an important documentary. I very much hope you get the support you deserve to pursue this. Congratulations on your achievement so far, and I wish you the best of luck with it.
Kind regards,
Development Executive Amelia Granger
Working Title Films
Dear Aneel,
Waiting for Sunrise is a powerful and moving piece that holds great potential for a longer documentary.
Congratulations on a successful film and we wish you the best of luck with all your future endeavours.
Kind Regards
Hannah Farrell
Development Coordinator
Rachael Prior Development executive WT2
Working Title Films
(Multi Bafta winning films) Four weddings and a Funeral, Shawn of the Dead, Bridget Jone's Diary
Dear Aneel, Waiting for Sunrise's 6 minutes, are very hard to watch –
Its portrayal of the brutality of poverty being poignantly achieved. I wish you every success in continuing to make films of conscience and applaud your dedication to find the means to do so.
Best wishes,
Timothy Bricknell/ Executive Producer
Associate Producer (Oscar winning film COLD MOUNTAIN)
Mirage Enterprises
Dear Aneel,
Your film is a courageous effort to convey something of the horror of
poverty that is so close to all of us and which most of us desperately try
to ignore. I wish you more success in making films of passion.
Best wishes,
Ben Spencer Producer
(Oscar/Bafta winning films Remains of the Day, A Room with a View, Howards End.
Merchant Ivory Productions Limited
www.merchantivory.com
Aneel,
Your short is very powerful and impactful. You must be very proud of it.
best regards
Stewart Till
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer United International Pictures
www.uip.co.uk
Dear Aneel,
This is a tough, ambitious, and surprisingly beautiful piece of work,
which gives a measured insight into a disturbing and violent place.
Its restraint adds to the power of its material, and its contributors
speak to us in authentic and unvarnished tones, but also with dignity.
The film maintains respect for its protagonists, even while it exposes he horror of these children's lives.
Best
Karen Johnson
BBC Television
Executive Editor, Children's Education
www.bbc.co.uk
Dear Aneel
It's a splendid six minute short. It's moving and effectively shows the
plight of these young street kids. I'd have thought that you have the
material here for a strong documentary. Good luck.
With very best wishes
Ruth Caleb (Feature Film Bullet Boy)
Exec/Producer BBC FILMS
www.bbc.co.uk
Dear Aneel
"I applaud your passion for your subject and your courage, enterprise and
persistence in shining a spotlight on this incredibly important subject".
All best,
Leslee
Leslee Udwin
Film Producer (BAFTA winning Feature Film EAST is EAST)
Assassin Films
Aneel,
It is clear from your ability to make and publicise your documentary with such a tight budget, that your passion to tell what some people would prefer to ignore, is fired by both strong self motivation and also compassion. Well done & I wish you much success in the future.
Best
Robert Bray - ( Oscar winning short film WASP )
Executive Producer/ Managing Director Cowboy Films
www.cowboyfilms.co.uk
Dear Aneel
Waiting For Sunrise is a very strong film. Capturing the pain of poverty and how harshly it affects the young both physically and psychologically. I hope this is your springboard to make the drama your concerns, commitment and imagination deserves.
Good Luck
Jonnie Turpie
( C4 Series BOLLYWOOD STAR )
Executive Chairman Maverick Television
www.mavericktv.co.uk (England UK)
Hi Aneel
Managed to see 6 minute version and I think it's very moving, really well filmed and an exceptionally important piece of work.
Waiting for sunrise is an incredibly important piece of work. It is tremendously moving and beautifully shot. Aneel has found the poetry in poverty and made a film which gives it's contributors a voice and a sense of dignity. This is a film that all the spoilt Western kids should watch and realise just how fortunate they are.
Warm wishes
Natasha
Natasha Carlish (BAFTA winning short film Brown Paper Bag)
Film Producer
DREAMFINDER PRODUCTIONS
www.dreamfinder.net
Hi Aneel,
" You have treated some very difficult subject matter in a very visual way. There are some beautiful shots in this film and the passion the filmmaker has for his subject comes through."
Alice Morrison
Chief Executive NORTH WEST VISION
www.northwestvision.co.uk
Hi Aneel,
I found 'Waiting for Sunrise' really powerful. A difficult subject handled with sensitivity and integrity. The film was of a quality that belies its low budget. A serious piece of filmaking. Its emotional temperature seemed right for a subject that could be sensationalised or sentimentalised. It had integrity, and politics.
Well done
Andy Porter
Company Director/Executive Producer (OSCAR nominated film Solomon and Gaenor)
Hi8us South is in partnership with APT Films
and is part of the Hi8us Network
www.hi8us.co.uk
BOOT POLISH A Film by aneel ahmad Official site's Details
Status:
Married
Here for:
Networking
Ethnicity:
White / Caucasian
Religion:
Other
Zodiac Sign:
Cancer
Education:
Post grad
Occupation:
Development Exec
BOOT POLISH A Film by aneel ahmad Official site's Companies
Boot Polish Films Manchester, UK
development executive
BOOT POLISH A Film by aneel ahmad Official site's Films
BOOT POLISH A Film by aneel ahmad Official site's Blurbs
About me:
PLEASE NOTE - This is the short film "BOOT POLISH official myspace website"
"A film is - or should be - more like music than like fiction. It should be a progression of moods and feelings. The theme, what's behind the emotion, the meaning, all that comes later. "(STANLEY KUBRICK Film DIRECTOR)
"The style of photography should grow out of the story, and the director should be aware of what he wants and be able to convey it in precise terms to the cameraman." (SATYAJIT RAY Film DIRECTOR)
NO Obscenity, Nude pictures, Profanity, Racism
or Prejudice.
Any Networking enquiries regarding BOOT POLISH please
contact me JANE DAVIDSON
Boot Polish Official Trailer
A detailed behind this scenes documentary. Shooting in Lahore Pakistan. This film follows the directors trek from England to Pakistan and the number of difficulties he faced trying to make a short film. The Documentary covers a wide range of stories and social issues including poverty, and humantarian issues.
Aneel Ahmad & Boot Polish Shortlisted TOP 20 FINALIST for Worlds Most Prestigious Incircle Grant Circle 2007
The Panelists & Speakers Include - Harvey Weinstein (Producer)Thomas Augsberger - President, Eden Rock Media, Akifumi Sugihara - President and COO, AMG Entertainment, Anant Singh - CEO, VideoVision Entertainment, Ashok Amritraj - Chairman and CEO, Hyde Park Entertainment, Craig A. Emanuel - Partner and Chair, Los Angeles Entertainment Dept., Loeb & Loeb, David Thompson - Head, BBC Films, Deborah Zipser - Head of Business Affairs, River Road Entertainment , Hal S. Sadoff - Head of International and Independent Film, ICM, Isabel Begg - Senior Legal and Business Affairs Manager, BBC Films, Mark Damon - CEO, Foresight Unlimited, Parminder Vir OBE- Executive Producer/Consultant, Ingenious World Cinema, Peter Watson - Managing Director, Recorded Picture Company, Robert Hayward - Chief Operating Officer, Summit Entertainment, Ted Sarandos - Chief Content Officer, Netflix,Deborah Zipser Head of Business Affairs, River Road Entertainment ,Nansun Shi Producer, Film Workshop (Hong Kong), Branko Listig Producer, AMERICAN GANGSTER, GLADIATOR, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (Croatia), Andrew Marcus Executive Vice President, Relativity Media (USA),Ryan Kavanaugh President and CEO, Relativity Media (USA),Paul Federbush Senior VP of Production and Acquisitions, Warner Independent Pictures (USA), Deepak Nayar -Executive Producer, Kintop Pictures (UK/India) Eric Pascal - Managing Director - Middle East and North, Ted Sarandos - Chief Content Officer, Netflix (USA), Akifumi Sugihara - President and COO, AMG Entertainment (Japan), Graham Taylor - Head of Independent Film, Endeavor Agency (USA),Esaad Younes - Chairperson and CEO, Arabia Cinema ,Nansun Shi - Producer, Film Workshop (Hong Kong)
In JANUARY 2008 aneel was selected on the Babylon 2008 ROTTERDAM Feature Film Development workshop, In association and co-produced by Scenario Films, Cine Sud Promotions, Script House (GERMANY)and Mira Media, hosted by the Goethe Institut(HOLLAND), and funded by the CNC, British Council, Dutch Film Fund, Vienna Film Fund and the UK Film Council.
Confirmed Guest Speakers and Contributors
Marc Boothe (B3 Media, UK), Tony Dennis (Producer/Writer, UK) Fiona Howe (Scenario Films, UK) Gareth Jones (Scenario Films, UK) Thierry Lenouvel (Ciné-Sud Promotion, France) Jürgen Seidler (ScriptHouse, Germany) Christoph Thoke (Mogador Film, Germany,Alan Fountain (EAVE, Luxembourg) Peter Zawrel (Film Fonds Wien/Vienna Film Fund) Ute Ganschow (Nipkow Foundation) Georges Goldenstern (Cinefondation) Michel Reilhac (ARTE France CinémaXavier) Merlin (CNC) Binger Institute.
NORTH WEST VISION & UK FILM COUNCIL/ Selected by the British Council 2007/08
Presents
The principal CREW/CAST for BOOT POLISH
The film was made with a multicultural World Crew.
Australia, Denmark, England, India, Pakistan, Portugal
Format: HD- High Definition
Year of Production: 2007
DRAMA: Fictional Story
Running Time: 15 mins
A film by aneel ahmad
Written,and Directed by aneel ahmad
Produced by Kelly Broad & aneel ahmad
Cast:
Preeya as Lalita
Chutki Naseer as Babar
Mohammad Haroon as The Man
Featuring
Hassena Bibi as Madam 1
Shaban Bibi as Madam 2
Sher Ali as Police Officer
Nasheele Bibi as Barbar's Mother
And
Nidi Malik, Saba Sheikh, Adda Butt, Rukhsar Khan, Razia
Binish Khan, Bina, Saba as the Dancing Girls
Co - Producer Eleanor Ford
Executive Producers: Tom Gabbutt for North West Vision,
Rebecca Mark-Lawson for UK Film Council
Editor: aneel ahmad, Ajay Bahdresa
Sound Design/MIX:Tiago Sousa, Paul Maunder
Foley Editor: Peter Bailey
ADR Voice Over: Mohammad Sami Haque,
David Portlock, Jemshaid Ashraf, Julie Desouza
Directors of Photography: Nouman Younis & Ian Burton
Associate Producers: Andrea Farrena, Dr Nasir Baig, Shahzad Irshad
Production Coordinator: Iftikhar U-Din
Music/written & Composed by: Sohail Salamat
1st Assistant Director: Jemshaid Ashraf
2nd Assistant Director: Waseen Ali
Sound Recordist: Hafeez Ahmed
Boom Operator: Tahir Ali
Lighting: Noman Ahmed
Lighting Assistants: Mohammad Khuram & Tanveer Ahmed
Head Gaffer: Abbas Khan
Crane Operator: Kahalak Datt, Mohammad Ramzan, Goga
Dolly/Grip: Naveed Saddique
Grip: Asif Iqbal
Gaffers: Muzafar Khan, Hamid Shah, Rafiq Javid, Riaz H. Salim, Johnny Malik
Lighting Technicians: Mosin Janghir, Tafeeq Al- Hamil
Time Concept Production Company PK (Lahore)
Production Manager: Rashid Farooq
Production Unit Manager: Aslam Chisti
The Crews Production Company PK (Karachi)
Production Managers: Khalid Ali & Mateen Butt
Production Assistants: Mohammad Shahzad, Jabru, Mohammad Riaz, Adnan Nawaz, Julie Abraham, Anita Lubna
Production Assistants UK: Jaleel Ahmad, Reza Babai, Hussein Mamoo
Costume Designer: Najan Gillan
Dress Maker: Basharat Ali
Hair/Make-up: Safdar Ali, Zara Afshan
Diplex Studios Lahore
Hair/Make-up Stylists: Jango, Asmah Lodhi, Afshan Rashid, Zara Choudhury, Farah Khan
Choreographer: Papu Ejaz Samrat
Assistant Choreographer: Syed Yaya Safdar
Assistant Choreographer: Ali Jaan
Set Decorators: Imtiaz Kaliq, Alina Afzal, Shamila Khan, Abdullah Hamza
Set Designer: Tanvir Fatima, Afraz Saeed
Casting Director: Ghulam Rasool
Stills Photographer: Shahid Rafiq
Locations Village (Lahore) Manager: Moon Younas
Food Street Location: Khawaja Shaqeel Ahmed
Locations Managers (Multan)
Cholistan Desert (province of Punjab, Pakistan)
Imran Ahmed, Shamim Ahmed Malik, Bobby Saddique, El Ghana.
Azad Kashmir - Pakistan
Location Manager
Malum Jabba (White Palace): Shamim Ahmed Malik
Accommodation PDTC Hotels: Sheikh Fayaz
Locations Malum Jabba: Mohammad Nazir
Caterers (Zee Grill) Johar Town
BNU University - Lahore
Proffessor Naveed Shahzad
Proffessor Saeed Ul Rehman
Translation: Deepa Parekh
Lahore/ Pakistan
Accommodation Owner: Haji Rana Munawa Hussein
Manager: Rana Mohmmad Awais
Manager: Rana Mohammad Zubair
Transport: Saharah Tours
Hameed Khan
Gul Khan
Dr Mohammad Arif
Production Drivers: Sabar Ali, Bau Nazir
Security: Mohammad Haroon, Rizwhan Mehboob
Insurers: Allen, Chapman & James (UK)
HiDef Cameras by: Lighthouse Films & Simon Normanton (UK)
Lighting by: BARI studios (Pakistan) Zaraq Bari
Evernew Studios (Pakistan)
Post Production: 3SixtyMedia Manchester UK
Post Production: John Mariner
Post Production Supervisor: Chris Clarkson
Senior Colourist: Neil Parker
3Sixty Media Team: Helen Dean
POST PRODUCTION GRANADA TELEVISION MANCHESTER
Special thanks to Stewart Till CBE, Sir Ridley Scott, Sir Alan Parker, Sir Gerald Kaufman, Mike Leigh, Imran Khan, Timothy Bricknell, Ben Spencer, Yousaf Ali Khan, Simon Hewlett, Adrian Horsford, Karen Johnson, Ruth Caleb, Leslee Udwin, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Bray, Jonnie Turpie, Andy Porter, Natasha Carlish, Alice Morrision, Magic Burman, Yousaf
Sala u-Din and Brenna Rangott.
Thank you to everyone who gave so generously of their time and skill to make this film. It is dedicated with love to the children of Lahore.
aneel ahmad and UK Film Council 2007
Hello, Aneel
Hope all the best for your movie. Your Friend...
QT
(QUENTIN TARANTINO Movie Director Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, Reservoir Dogs)
Dear Aneel,
Thank you for sending me BOOT POLISH.
I was deeply impressed by the high level of skill that went into making it.
It is a very moving film, distressing and at the same time life affirming. You clearly have
a great future as a film maker
Yours sincerely, Gerald Kaufman
(The Rt. Hon Sir Gerald Kaufman M.P/ House Of Commons)
(97 -05) Chairman of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee
Hi Aneel,
Total respect! Wonderful film, love your politics.
You are one of the very few film makers addressing the important issues in this world.
Now for the Feature :)
Yousaf
Yousaf Ali Khan (Writer/Director)
TALKING WITH ANGELS
Bafta Nominated Shorts Skin Deep, Talking with Angels
Dear Aneel,
Many congratulations, this film is a superb achievement .. I hope it..s everything you wanted it to be and more.
I am really delighted to see how youve progressed this project without any hesitation or distraction from your path .. you..ve really got what it takes to be what you want to be, and I..m glad that you know it.
Ive seen a lot of people come through these offices trying to make films, some have succeeded and some have not .. but I can tell you that I dont think any of them had the spirit and passion for film and people that you have. Its a real shame you never met Ismail .. he would have understood you.
Boot Polish is beautifully acted and the photography is superb, I..m so pleased you..ve got this made.
Nice one,
Ben
Ben Spencer (Associate Producer)
(Oscar/Bafta winning films Remains of the Day, A Room with a View, Howards End, White Countess)
Merchant Ivory Productions Limited
Ismail Merchant (5th Dec 1936 - 25 May 2005)
www.merchantivory.com
Hi Aneel,
Watched it last night, Mazeltov! It's beautiful. Congratulations on realising your vision. A real labour of love. I liked the delicate and oblique storytelling; it's sort of restrained but deeply romantic and passionately felt. Terrific performances. Some stunning images.
Well done. Be proud.
Paul
(Paul Morrison Oscar Nominated Award winning films Solomon and Gaenor, Wondrous Oblivion)
APT FILMS
Hi Aneel,
Well done,
Great to see you developing your art. Re Boot Polish. Loved the way that you told a simple story through imagery that was full of passionate intensity, and that managed to encompass both the mundanity of poverty and the romanticism of love in the same piece.
A real piece of cinematic short film making, Would love to see it on the big screen. And roll on the feature.
All the best,
Andy
Andy Porter ( Bafta Oscar Nominated - Film Producer)
Project Director - Hi8us South
Dear Aneel
"I first came across Aneel a few years ago. I was on a panel at a Drama Conference and a young man in the audience (Aneel of course) let us know in no uncertain terms that we were a 'bunch of tossers' who failed to recognise his talent and his individual voice - and you know, he was right!!
Thanks for letting me see BOOT POLISH - knowing how long this project has been your passion.
It is a real achievement. Congratulations - BOOT POLISH is an impressive and humane work"
With very best wishes
Ruth
Ruth Caleb
(Multi Bafta Winning Film Producer/Executive Producer)
Drama Production & BBC Films
BBC Vision Studios
Dear Aneel,
Thanks so much for letting us have a look at your short Boot Polish. You've
done an incredible job and produced a strong, visually arresting piece,
congratulations!
Again, well done.
Kind regards,
David Chikwe
Development Assistant
Ruby Films (Alison Owen Oscar/Bafta Winning Producer Elizabeth,Sylvia, Proof)
Dear Aneel
Boot Polish is a real achievement - it definitely has the look of a short three or four times the budget. There is a brooding beauty to many of the shots which builds a sense of impending doom.
It certainly has different and bigger ambitions from many of the shorts being made in the UK.
At times the short has real power, though I found a few moments where the weight of symbolism and statement of the connection between the story of the boy and the young woman felt somewhat heavy-handed. For example, her watching him being beaten in the street and then reprimanded herself by the madam; him spying on her whirling and dancing like a trapped bird.
This is of course partly a question of storytelling tradition and partly a matter of taste but for me the film often worked best in its quieter more intimate moments.
Nevertheless its a bold film and I would be interested to know what you are going to do next? Will you explore pushing this style of storytelling further or turning your attention again to something totally different?
with best regards
Peter
Peter Carlton
Channel 4/FILM4 ( Multi Bafta/Oscar winning company -Senior Executive Commissioner Slumdog Millionare)
Hi Aneel
Congratulations on the very well deserved award and on a very beautifully executed and heartfelt piece of work. A real achievement and once again it shows your talent, compassion and vision as a filmmaker who has plenty to say.
I wish you all the very best with it and also with all your future projects.
Warm wishes
Natasha
Natasha Carlish (BAFTA winning short film Brown Paper Bag) Film Producer
DREAMFINDER PRODUCTIONS
www.dreamfinder.net
Aneel,
You are extremely tenacious and therefore will find success.
Very best wishes, liz
Elisabeth Murdoch
Chairman and CEO of Shine Limited
(Multi Award Winning Production company)
Dear Aneel,
It's so heartening to see a little piece of poetry like this come out of the
UK. Aneel Ahmad deftly draws together the threads of two young lives
connected chiefly by their enslavement to poverty, to tell a bittersweet
tale of hope and disillusionment.
The narrative subsists on nuance and
fleeting, elliptical moments from these converging destinies. But it's the
combination of imagery, by turns brutal and soaring, together with the
underlying thematic power, which make this such a deeply emotional film. An
impressive achievement.
Speak soon
Fiona
Fiona Howe Producer (Scenario Films, UK)
Caro Aneel
Il corto (Boot Polish) mi è piaciuto molto, fatto benissimo, tecnicamnete perfetto, e molto poetico. complimenti Aneel
(ENGLISH) Dear Aneel
I liked the short (Boot Polish) very much, it's very well done, technically perfect, very poetic.
compliments to you Aneel
Ciao Daniele Segre
Daniele Segre
Production Manager
TORINO Film Commission (ITALY)
Who I'd like to meet:
BOOT POLISH A Film by aneel ahmad Official site's Friend Space (Top 40)
BOOT POLISH A Film by aneel ahmad Official site has 918 friends.
Update on our event (Roll Up Your Sleeves for Refugees) last Friday night, July 31 09 ...
... We raised enough @ this small event alone to help fix up the water supply of the kids in the image below, Afghan refugees living outside Quetta (Pakistan), three hours from the the border of Afghanistan.
We hope you continue supporting the cause :)
Peace,
Kate - Hope AFAR (A Future for Afghan Refugees)
PS - RE: IMAGE BELOW: This tragedy is happening now! Every little bit helps. Give them some hope!
[Collecting polluted driking water (Kate Grealy Oct 08)]
Come along to our fundraiser, next Friday July 31 (last day of July) @ Southpaw, 189 Gertrude Street.
We're raising money for forgotten Afghan refugees on the Pak/Afghan border region - WE ARE VOLUNTEER RUN & SELF-FUNDED, ALL PROFITS GO TO THOSE WHO NEED THEM!
The night includes:
Live DJs
Live African music & tabla
Rare Afghan vintage jewelery for auction
Art on auction
Photography on auction
Henna painting
great food
And lots of Fun!
There are heaps of ways you can contribute on the night.
Entry is free, but we'll be taking donations, big or small. Every bit counts! and if you can't make it, there are ways to donate via the website www.hope-afar.org
Invite all your friends. See you there
Kate, Hope AFAR (A Future for Afghan Refugees)
www.hope-afar.org
[don't forget - Fri July 31 @ Southpaw, 189 Gertrude Street Fitzroy 6pm onwards]
You Are Welcome:
<br />
<br />Thank you for beeing friend!
<br />
<br />for
<br />
<br />Afghanistan Peace Movement
<br />
<br />Janan Karim
<br />
<br />“We wish AFGHANISTAN and the world prosperity and PEACE !”
<br />
<br />Support also www. kiva. org/team/afghanistan_peace_movement please!
I'm waiting for your friendship also on Agriturismo Green Farm on MySpace and Official MySpace Music PowerToArt WebSite or visit Official Agriturismo Green Farm and Official PowerToArt WebSite
The Miami International Film Festival (MIFF) a Miami Dade College (MDC) cultural experience is now open for film submissions. To submit a Film visit: http://www. withoutabox. com/login/1241 For more details visit: http://www. miamifilmfestival. com/cpage. cfm?id=10366
