Dubai: Hana Kazim was the first Emirati to graduate and join the alumni list of Hollywood legends at the most prestigious film school in America, the American Film Institute Conservatory in Los Angeles.
Her graduation ceremony, attended by film icons like Francis Ford Coppola, director of the Godfather trilogy and Robert Towne, screenwriter of Mission Impossible, was an unforgettable day for the 23-year-old who received her Master’s degree of Fine Arts in Film Producing.
Describing her experience with two simple words — “life changing” — Hana is currently finishing up her thesis film for the conservatory before moving back to Dubai in the winter.
The AFI Conservatory is a highly selective film school located right in the Hollywood hills of Los Angeles that offers a rigorous two-year film program with only 140 students accepted per year from around the world.
The programme is segregated into six disciplines that are directing, producing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, and production design.
“It was one of those programs that you either survive by learning to swim or get casted away. What I learnt at AFI and the people I met there is valuable to my future career in the industry,” she told Gulf News in an exclusive interview.
Hana’s interest in film started at a very young age when visiting the video rental store became a weekly routine. “Film was always a hobby- I was the kid watching Dead Poet’s Society between Jurassic Park sequels. It wasn’t until I was a junior in college that I decided to make filmmaking a career choice,” she said.
Choosing film as a minor to go alongside her major in business administration at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), Hana wasn’t aware that her choice would open up the world of filmmaking.
“I made a couple of short films during my time at AUS, one of which went on the get some recognition at Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF) and get screened on BBC Arabic,” she explained.
During her time at AFI, Hana attended several unique courses where she was able to get first-hand experience from filmmakers such as director Steve McQueen of Oscar winning film 12 Years a Slave, and Jeff Watchel, Head of USA network.
Hana listed American actress, political activist, and former fashion model Jane Fonda, along with Palestinian film director Hany Abu Assad as some of the most memorable people she met during her time at the institution. “I would say Francis Ford Coppola was the whole reason I decided to concentrate in filmmaking.”
The Emirati film producer said she has a couple of projects in mind, and is currently writing a TV Pilot and polishing up the outline for an Emirati feature.
“There are so many stories to tell here and unique locations to film at. I plan to move back here this winter and I look forward to working with the professionals in the UAE.”
