INTERVIEW WITH BABAR AHMED - WRITER/DIRECTOR
By Farheen Umar
Babar Ahmed originally from Pakistan recently produced and directed “Royal Kill” an independent feature that was recently released in AMC theaters in early 2009. Because of its popularity, the film showing got extended beyond its 1 week initial screening time to 3 weeks and is a well deserved accolade in Babar’s film career. What most people do not realize is how difficult it is to make a name in film. It’s a highly competitive field, especially for someone who is competing against the Hollywood studio system but Babar was able to achieve two features in his career to date with many other short works as well. I had the chance to ask Babar about his journey in the world of filmmaking.
Q: Babar, tell us how you came to be a “Filmmaker”?
A: After I completed my junior high school in Pakistan, my family moved to England. There I completed my high school, undergraduate from London, and then Masters from Cambridge University. Since High School, I was interested in Filmmaking, but I realized that getting into film in England is next to impossible, so I was convinced that I was going to pursue Economics, and a film career would be more of a hobby for me. However, after completing my Masters, I came upon a program in New York that really interested me. It was the New York Film Academy. I attended this program in New York, with the intention of returning to England but that didn’t happen.
Q: How so?
A: The film course at NY Film Academy was inspirational. It taught me a very professional approach to filmmaking, and it also made me realize that film is not only an entertainment medium but can have a deep social impact. During this semester, I made a short film “Mother and Son”. When my teachers saw my work, I was encouraged by them to stay on in Film school which I did. During subsequent courses, I got to wear different hats in several productions. I worked as 1st and 2nd assistant director on other productions. All this exposure gave me the confidence to start my film career. Most people only see the glamour in filmmaking but it is a lot of hard work and you have to wear several hats before you are able to direct.
Q: So what types of film work have you done?
A: I wrote a commissioned script: Salauddin (Muslim historical figure). This was a very big budget film which is still in development. I also wrote and directed a much lower budget film: Genius. This is the story of a dyslexic young boy who wants to go out with his high school crush. He persuades his teacher to help him out and offers his services as class disciplinarian as exchange for the help. This was filmed in New York and my school fellows from NY Film Academy helped me out in this project.
Q: How did the film do in the market?
A: The film got 3 international awards and was widely covered in media as the first American mainstream film produced and directed by Muslims. One of the media comments was: “The end twist of GENIUS is an unexpected zinger”. The film was distributed in video stores nationwide in 2003. Through media exposure from this film, I was able to communicate to the world about Muslims and their achievements in history. Hopefully that helped in changing the common perceptions.
Pat Morita's last film "Royal Kill"
Eric Roberts in "Royal Kill"
Q: What followed “Genius”?
A: After Genius, I started writing a story about a South Indian Princess who is living in America. She doesn’t know she is a princess till there is an attempt on her life. When Pat Morita (Oscar award nominee – Karate Kid) saw the script he was interested in being part of the project. Also Eric Roberts (Batman –Dark Knight) also agreed to play a supporting role. Once these high profile actors were on board it was easy to get investors interested. Thus was born “Royal Kill”.
Q: What advice do you have for first time filmmakers?
A: I would recommend attending a reputable film training program, even if it’s for a short duration. Also it is important to attend film festivals because there you can network with film professionals and learn a lot from their experiences.
Q: How is a film career different from other careers? Especially in terms of finance?
A: If you are successful as a filmmaker, you can make a lot of money. However breaking in is very hard, so it’s better to have other options or a back up plan for one’s bread and butter.
Q: How do your Pakistani origins help/hinder your work?
A: I find that Pakistanis are the best storytellers. Some of the best stories I can remember are those from my childhood, whether from Urdu short stories or whether told by our elders. The stories include all genres such horror, thriller, or mystery.
Q: Given the current situation in Pakistan, do you think enough is being done by the Army and the people of Pakistan for the internally displaced refugees from Swat.
A: I am originally from Swat. I visited my home in Swat during my holiday vacations. And Swat has always been an example of a state which has been exemplary in law and order, in education, and in its stellar public services. The people are polite, educated, and forward looking. So the last decade has been quite devastating in terms of the accelerated growth in violence and collapse of the institutions which is in sharp contrast to Swat's history.
My mother, Zeenat Ahmed flew out from America to Pakistan and over the last few weeks has been delivering goods to refugee camps and simultaneously activating politicians and diplomats to do more. My younger sister Nafees and my aunt Zebunissa flew out with her to provide full support.
However, I am amazed how strongly Pakistanis have responded in support who are not from Swat or have never been to Swat. Every week there is a fund raiser or an event by Pakistani groups in America trying to increase awareness or trying to directly help the refugees. This coming week COPAA, America's most influential Pakistan Society is holding a major fund raiser in California for this effort.
Q: Some people are scared to allow the IDPs to set up camp given their past negative experience with Afghan refugees and their fear of the Taliban setting up shop in the guise of refugeees. What is your opinion on this issue.
A: Swatis are a people highly respectful of everyone around them. They are a peaceful people caught up in a political game. It is in the interest of every Swati to want peace. Most Pakistanis are fully aware of this and their objective is to say 'how can we help these pakistanis' rather than 'how can we protect ourselves from what may happen if someone exploited these refugees'.
Q: What do you think is the best way to address extremism in Pakistan?
A: In my opinion the answer lies in opportunities that a society faces. It is no coincidence that the 'extremist' regions are also the poorest regions. It is easier for someone without opportunities to commit rash acts as they have nothing to lose. I feel that we need to address this as a long term economic challenge where we are helping a society which is in trouble, and not as a quick-fix military solution to eliminate our enemy. How we influence the children of these regions today will impact the decisions they make tomorrow.
Thank you, Babar and best of luck on future projects.
Till next time,
Khuda Hafiz,
Farheen Umar
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An indepth look at 'Royal Kill', courtesy www.FangoriaOnline.com. 'The following review was taken from Fangoria Magazine, America's #1 Horror Magazine'
THE SYNOPSIS: Amongst a war with the Skanji Empire in the Himalayas, the King of Samarza dies in the arms of a young soldier. He appoints one last task before passing: travel to America, find the kings seventh child, (and last living heir) and protect her from the Skanji Empire’s vile assassin Nadia, who has been dispatched stateside to end the King’s bloodline. Back in America, the teenage Jan has no idea that Doug isn’t her biological father, or that she is in fact the princess of a dieing kingdom, engaged in a brutal war. Determined to succeed in his assignment, Adam Arthavan arrives in America with little time to spare. Jan’s home is invaded, and her world is turned upside down as Nadia embarks on her mission to kill Jan, while Adam fights desperately to save her.
NOTES/PRAISE: First, ROYAL KILL marks the final film in the illustrious career of Pat Morita (who is best known as Mr. Miyagi from the extremely popular KARATE KID franchise, and a lengthy stint on the long running television show HAPPY DAYS). Second, the film also features the work of the prolific and versatile Eric Roberts (THE DARK KNIGHT), rising NICKELODEON star Lalaine, and WWE powerhouse Gail Kim - for a film with an extremely limited budget, that’s a great ensemble. Third, J.D. Beales did a fine job editing this one, bringing the visual loose ends of a busy script together to form a well controlled, healthily paced story that’s both easy to follow, and intriguing enough to want to follow. Fourth, Chad Sikora and Yohance Brown deserve a great deal of acknowledgement for executing some extremely cool visual effects. And fifth, and most important - the extension of huge respect to Babar Ahmed, a gutsy director who put together a creative story, an inspiring cast, and eventually an overall sound picture on an openly confined budget.
THE VERDICT: A true hybrid of a film, ROYAL KILL utilizes a unique combination of the Action, Martial Arts, Thriller, Fantasy and Horror genres. Somehow director Babar Ahmed sews the seams well, as in all honesty; this film should not work. It does though, and a well plotted script with an array of twists and turns help make it possible. It’s great to see a passionate crew put forth 110% effort in creating and promoting the picture, and it’s even more moving to see Pat Morita at work on his final project. Above and beyond all, kudos for conjuring the courage to toss some creativity into the mix, it’s long overdue.
For more on ROYAL KILL, check out http://www.royalkill.com/
(check details on Royal Kill at: http://www.fangoriaonline.com/features/21-fearful-features/2562-an-in-depth-look-at-royal-kill.html )