GEE JAAN: a short film on Dementia

GEE JAAN is a short film that is etched in a deeply personal world for me. It's a culmination of the experiences of the most beloved elderly women in my life. Besides a testament to their effervescence, it is a celebration of the complex city of Karachi, to which we remain attached against all odds. In particular, the film is about loss, and a woman's intimate struggle for freedom against a sprawling illness, dementia.

A bit about me: I am presently a graduate student at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where I am pursuing a MFA in filmmaking. My degree is funded by a combination of prestigious scholarships, one from NYU and one from the Blue Sky Scholars Program—based on outstanding academic achievement and promise. I am the first Pakistani woman to attend this program at the graduate level, and one of four Pakistanis in the entire history of the program.

Before NYU, I attended Yale University, where I received a Bachelor’s degree in History with honors. Between my two degrees, I worked in the field of Documentary in Karachi and New York. I am grateful for the opportunities that I have accessed thus far, and remain wholly devoted to independent filmmaking which follows the lives of the passionate, and explores our emotional landscapes. I’d like to continue to pursue this art with all that I can. However, there is little room for independent filmmaking in a financially struggling Pakistan, which is tragic given our natural spirit for storytelling here. In this initial stage of my career, I require the trust and support of community to help realize my unique vision, and build my portfolio of work.

After several months of writing the script and bringing together a talented crew in Karachi, I am finally embarking on shooting the short narrative film, GEE JAAN this December. We are raising financing to support our production, and post production process (details below, and attached). The amount I am requesting is to get the project running.

We have an impeccably talented team named in the pitch deck. Each member is lending their craft towards creating the film's unique voice. This project is special, and I would be thrilled for you to join us on the journey. Below are details about the film:

Logline: A woman with early dementia attempts to reconnect with her obscured sense of self through familiar rituals.

Written and Directed By: Ayla Khan

Produced by: Mahum Jamal (A GOOD DREAM); Nadia Bedj (BEWARE OF DOG); Ali Raza; Carol Noronha

DP: Madeline Rose Finkel

Production Dates: 12/17/2024 - 12/19/2024 (3 full days)

Production Location: Karachi, Pakistan

The film is in Urdu, with English subtitles. You can view details, such as the pitch deck and lookbook.

Contribution breakdown:

$2500 and above — you will receive an Executive Producer credit.

$1000 — you will receive a Co-Executive Producer credit.

$500 — you will receive Associate Producer credit.

Thank you so much for reading, and please reach out to me if you have any questions.

Here is a video sample of my directing work.