Filmmaker Profile: Nadia Zoe
Nadia Zoe
A Pakistani American filmmaker, originally hailing from the Southwest, Nadia Zoe cultivated a passion for character-driven films during her studies in acting before transitioning to a career in directing. A distinguished alumna of the Columbia University MFA Film Program, she holds a degree in screenwriting and directing. Post-graduation, she has played key roles in numerous collaborative projects, including her leadership in South Mountain, which celebrated its premiere at SXSW. Additionally, she produced and co-edited Last Ferry, which was lauded at its world premiere at BFI Flare. In her capacity as a writer and director, her contributions have garnered recognition in esteemed platforms such as the teleplay competition at the Austin Film Festival and the Chicago Latino Film Festival.
This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series.
What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?
We previously made a short film called Mariachi Madness many years ago when I was still in school and always wanted to make a feature. So, during the pandemic, we decided to start throwing around ideas and ended up being able to shoot it. The film is very different from the short, but at the core, both films are about a family working through grief through comedic moments in an attempt to come back together.
Why does this story need to be told now?
Film stories are always needed and important. This film is about a Mexican American family, but really it could be anyone. This film strives to show the universal nature of familial dynamics and issues. To show how we are all the same and maybe create more unity in the world instead of division.
Tell us an anecdote about casting or working with your actors.
I love working with the actors on this. Even though we had very little time to make this, 15 days, when we were on set we played with the characters and lines as much as possible. All of the actors brought so much to the table, but there is definitely one character that I had to keep it together when they were on set because I couldn’t stop laughing. At one point they had to put the director’s monitor far from the action because my laughter was too loud.
What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?
As a diverse woman, I sought filmmaking because one, I love movies, and second because I wanted to see more people like me out there. I wanted to share my stories with the world in hopes of providing some other little girl the ability to recognize themselves in the narratives that surround them.
Can you talk about the festival experience? How does it feel to have your film selected?
Making a movie often feels like a miracle, especially in independent film. So, getting the chance to have our film at a film festival and have the ability for people to see it is an invaluable opportunity and experience. We love the community that exists within the festival and the support that is so badly needed for small films like ours.
Nadia Zoe’s Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series.
