We’re set to make a really good short film and with your support, we can make it even better!

What’s the Story?

It’s Not What It Looks Like is a one-room dark comedy that follows a young British Muslim actress who suddenly goes viral for all the wrong reasons - at a time when culture wars are everywhere and misinformation online spreads like wildfire.

Our protagnist finds herself being interrogated by two clueless small-town officers who are convinced they’ve uncovered the next national threat while she’s wondering how a rejected audition turned into a national security issue online.

At its core, the film explores viral culture, ignorance, and the way people blow things out of proportion, especially when it makes them look good.

Think Hot Fuzz meets Four Lions in 2025.

About Me

Hi, I’m Suman Hanif, an award-winning filmmaker and founder of Pageful Productions. I am passionate about telling original stories reflecting the world as it is while imagining what it could be.

This film is close to my heart because of the incredible collaboration with my co-writer Nasim Akhtar and Director Ganesh Sharma over the last few years.

Nasim worked in the criminal justice system for over 30 years before turning to writing. Her real-life experience really grounds the story. While it’s a comedy the story touches on real discrimination and institutional blind spots that still exist today.

Ganesh is a multi award-winning comedy director whose work has been recognised at BAFTA- and Oscar-qualifying festivals around the world. Ganesh and I connected over a shared passion for amplifying underrepresented voices, and using comedy to make uncomfortble topics accessible.

Who's this for?

We’re making this for anyone who loves comedy with a heart especially the British South Asian audiences who don’t often see themselves properly represented on screen;

With our script already selected by three film festivals including a BIFA-qualifying festival, the majority of our cast and crew confirmed, including a well-known British comedian attached to play one of the lead roles,

we’re excited to say things are moving fast!

We’re set to begin filming in mid-September and all we need now is your support to help us make this film and fill in the final gaps in funding.