From Music to Movies: 'Heist 88' Director Menhaj Huda on Filmmaking, Identity, and the Future of Cinema
DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER
Show Notes:
In this episode of the Slow Dive Podcast, host Farida engages with Award-winning Director Menhaj Huda, exploring his journey from a music enthusiast to a filmmaker.
Huda shares insights on his creative process, the influence of music on his work, and the importance of audience engagement in filmmaking.
He reflects on his early industry experiences and challenges and the cultural narratives he aims to portray in his films, including his recent work, Heist 88.
In this engaging conversation, Menhaj Huda discusses his journey as a filmmaker, exploring themes of identity, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of cinema.
He reflects on the challenges indie filmmakers face, AI's impact on storytelling, and the importance of community in filmmaking.
Huda shares insights on his recent projects, including Heist 88 and Almost Home, emphasizing the need for authentic representation in film.
The discussion culminates in a reflection on the past and future of cinema, highlighting the significance of collaboration and creativity in the industry.
Takeaways:
His love for music influenced Menhaj Huda's journey into filmmaking.
He started DJing while studying engineering at Oxford.
His first short film, Jump Boy, was a significant turning point in his career.
Audience engagement is crucial in filmmaking, akin to DJing.
Huda's work often reflects cultural narratives relevant to his background.
He believes in the importance of quality in the creative process and the final product.
The impact of 9-11 on the representation of Muslims in media is significant.
Huda's first feature film, Kidulthood, was made independently.
He aims to create films that resonate with diverse audiences.
Music continues to play a vital role in Huda's creative expression. In his films, Menhaj Huda explores the double lives of immigrants.
Art serves as a medium for expressing cultural identities.
AI's role in filmmaking raises concerns about originality.
Current films often overlook contemporary issues.
Indie films have the potential to adapt to new storytelling formats.
The future of cinema may rely on the survival of movie theaters.
Heist 88 showcases a unique narrative inspired by true events.
Almost Home aims to present a nuanced portrayal of Muslim identity.
Collaboration is key in filmmaking, fostering creativity and innovation.
Reflecting on past filmmaking techniques can inspire new creativity.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Menhaj Huda and His Journey
06:22 The Creative Well: From Music to Filmmaking
12:47 The Evolution of Narrative Filmmaking
18:49 The Impact of Audience Engagement
24:53 Personal Reflections and Cultural Narratives
25:39 The Double Life of Immigrants
28:41 The Future of Film and Storytelling
32:51 The Evolution of Indie Films
37:26 Heist 88: A Streaming Success
40:28 Almost Home: A Nuanced Narrative
45:58 Collaboration and Community in Filmmaking
54:47 Reflecting on the Past and Future
ABOUT MENHAJ
“A director is the driving force behind the story that is being told. They are responsible for bringing the story to life. Orson Welles once said in an interview that directors have to be a little bit of everything—a jack of all…We will get into that
You have to know how to use the camera. You have to know acting. You have to understand music — all the different parts of a production. And doing so makes me a part of all aspects of the process.” SOURCE
Award-winning Director/Producer with extensive experience in television and feature films. His most recent work, “HEIST 88”, is Showtime’s #1 Original Movie of 2023. Nominated for 3 NAACP Image Awards.
