BBFF2022 Meet the Filmmaker: Ismail Khan
Beneath the Light
Ismail Khan takes us on a journey as we follow a surrealist figure into a liminal space, a space of transition where one must embark on a journey of acceptance in order to move on from a reality that no longer exists.
We had a chat to Ismail Khan about the making of ‘Beneath the Light’ and his process from the initial story concept to screen.
Screening at Palace Cinemas Byron Bay
Sunday 30 October at 2:45pm with Faithbreaker
Buy tickets
How did you come to create this story and get it from initial concept to screen?
I had collaborated with DP Ian Tyley on my previous short (Ian was the colourist for it) and during that process we wanted to find something to work together on. Ian had a general sense of the tone and visual from cinematography perspective and so I went away and wrote a short screenplay about a subliminal figure struggling to move on from an existence that no longer exists. Thats how we came up with the idea for Beneath the Light.
How has your experience been as an independent filmmaker?
I was in and out of the world of filmmaking during my 20's and in my late 20s decided to go all in. I went back to school and just started making stuff before working in the industry for short time on the financing side. After that I was accepted into the directing program at AFTRS where I started focusing on my own work.
As a filmmaker what is your favourite memory you had in the process of creating this film?
Seeing it all come together in edit. We didn't have any sound crew during the shoot and once we cut it together we realised that was really the thing that was missing. We got together with Sean Doyle to create an atmospheric soundscape that supported the visuals.
Why do you think short films are an important medium to explore creativity through?
Short film is an important medium because it allows the filmmaker to fully express their point of view in terms of narrative and style. Its what allows people to see/experience who you are as a creative. Once you get into television and features, there are a lot more people creatively involved.
What is next for you in the future?
I am writing a feature at the moment and in post production on my first televisions directing gig (Barrumbi Kids for NITV/SBS).
What is your biggest creative influence on your filmmaking style?
Obsessed with Atlanta and Hiro Murai's work.
What is a piece of advice you can give to all aspiring filmmakers?
Talent is only one side of coin. Developed friendships and relationships that will continue to see you grow is the other side.
I love film festivals and the networking they allow emerging filmmakers to be involved in.
