Hey everyone! My name is Taha Ismail, and I am an emerging director from Dhaka, Bangladesh currently based in London. I'm a final year film production student at Ravensbourne University and have been busy working on "This Is Me", my biggest and most personal film to date. This is my thesis film and what I finish university with, which is why it is extremely important to me - and you can help!
BACKGROUND: “This Is Me” is a coming-of-age social drama revolving around generational conflict. Inspired by various true events, the film explores topics such as brown identity, growing up Muslim, cultural upbringing & societal conditioning while having underlying themes of guilt and acceptance. We are working with a majority South-East Asian cast on this project and are aiming to show it in major festivals worldwide.
LOGLINE: A pretend-religious son confesses to his strict-Muslim parents that he is agnostic.
STORY: Set in London, the story follows Amir, a young Bangladeshi boy studying abroad. He lives with his elder brother in London while the rest of his family live back in Bangladesh. Amir leads a double life - His parents know of him as an innocent, sinless boy whereas Amir is someone who occasionally drinks, smokes cannabis and is sexually active - all of which go against his religion. Once a pious boy due to his religious upbringing, Amir does not know if he believes in God or religion anymore. Yet he pretends to pray and fast to keep his parents happy. Frustrated and unable to live a lie anymore, Amir one day decides to confess to his parents via email. Little does he know that his parents are in London for a surprise Eid visit - and that he must deal with this situation in person.
WHERE WILL THE FUNDS GO?
The funds will be used to meet production costs such as Kit/Equipment Rental, Set Decor, Down Payments, Travel/Catering Expenses & Festival Fees
MEET THE CREW:
Writer/Director: Taha Ismail
Producer: Rafael Ramirez
Production Manager: Annusheh Rahim
Assistant Director: Monica Georgieva
Director of Photography: Shaka Agina
Assistant Camera: Harry Coleman
Gaffer: Conrad Russell
Sound: Martynas Miknys, Tien Dat
Designers: Keith Camilleri, Julian Z Lupi
Post Production: Taha Ismail, Shaka Agina
Composer: Roland Mair-Gruber
CONTRIBUTION INCENTIVES:
£5+ = Personalized ‘Thank You’ message from the Crew
£20+ = 'Thank You' in the End Credits
£50+ = Pre-Release Private Online Viewing
£100 = Exclusive Inside Look Into Production (Shooting Script, Storyboards, Behind The Scenes etc.)
£250+ = Autographed Screenplay & Digital Download
£500+ = Invitation to A Private Screening
£750+ = Executive Producer Credit
We are well into pre-production, and everyone is working hard to ensure the film turns out to be as intended. Although the subject may be sensitive and controversial to some, it is relevant, relatable and paints a picture of the real world. The crew truly believes this is a story worth telling - any contribution no matter how large or small will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
My past works include films for Majestic Casual, Hozho, Sik, etc. You can check out some of my recent/past work on my website tahaismail.com
A big thank you from the crew of This Is Me.
Follow us on Instagram @thisismemovie