Zahra and the Oil Man: a short film
"Zahra and the Oil Man" is a short film produced, written, and directed by Yucef Mayes.
Logline: Zahra, the daughter of a street merchant, fights to save her father's struggling business in a changing Newark.
Zahra and the Oil Man Official Trailer:
The film is a representation of an African-American Muslim family of Newark, NJ community, a community that is underrepresented in the film and media.
HERE IS ZAHRA SELLING HER FATHER'S OILS, INCENSE, SOAPS! WE OUT HERE!
THE PURPOSE
"To Tell a story about a father and daughter from Newark, New Jersey"
The story shows an intimate relationship between a father and daughter from Newark who are experiencing an economic disadvantage. It is a hardship that puts this father and daughter’s relationship to the test. Zahra and her dad, Hafeez, have an opportunity to help each other grow. Hafeez learns that he needs his daughter’s help just as much as his daughter needs him.
This particular story serves the community by giving hope at the most difficult economic times. This film also is an opportunity to reflect a different narrative about Newark families, specifically, a father and daughter’s relationship. Most stories about Newark residents don’t reflect a positive image. Zahra and the Oil Man gives an opportunity to reflect the residents of Newark’s humanity.
PRODUCTION
Production will begin the end of August. The financial is needed in order to pay for camera equipment, craft services, and production miscellaneous while shooting.
As we begin shooting, we will keep you posted about updates on the progress of the film and we will be uploading a trailer for the film very soon.
THE TEAM:Writer/Director: Yucef MayesProducer: Aaron Melvin and Rodney Golbert
The Team's previous project was Driver. The story about an estranged father afforded another opportunity at fatherhood after a family tragedy. It received great reviews and toured very well on film festival circuit. 
Please support this new project "Zahra and the Oil Man"
It will be greatly appreciated for those who are able to support Zahra and the Oil Man.
Executive Producers $2000 and up: Executive Producer Credit, A Film Poster, DVD Copy of the film, Zahra and the Oil Man T-Shirts, Invite to Private Screening and Film Festival Passes.
Angel Supporters: $1000 to $1999: A Film Poster, DVD Copy of the film, Zahra and the Oil Man T-Shirts, Invite to Private Screening and Film Festival Passes.
Big Supporters: $500 to $999:
Film Poster, DVD Copy of the film, Zahra and the Oil Man T-Shirt, Invite to Private Screening.
Supporters: $250 to $499
DVD Copy of the film, Invite to Private Screening.
#1 Cheerleaders: $249 and down"
Name in the Special Thanks of the End Credits.
We appreciate any donations of this kind. We know that you will be happy about the final product of this film and it is a very important film for our time.
If you are unable to donate, please share with your network.
Best
Yucef Mayes
Writer/Director
PS. Be on the lookout for more content of Zahra and the Oil Man in the coming weeks.