Interview with Nighat Akbar Shah | 4th KIIFF

"Gunjal: A Powerful Film Illuminating the Legacy of Iqbal Masih and the Fight Against Child Labor"

KIIFF: How did the idea come to you, and what inspired you to create it?

In 2020, I produced my first short film, “This Bank of the River,” to raise awareness about mental health. The film was showcased at various festivals, received multiple awards, and was screened for officials and universities, which brought me great joy as I witnessed its impact. This success inspired me to address a subject closer to my heart: child labor. The idea for “Gunjal” emerged from the powerful and tragic story of Iqbal Masih, a young activist who bravely fought against child labor. His determination and the significance of his journey inspired me to raise awareness about this critical issue. I felt a deep responsibility to share his story, highlighting the urgent need for compassion and action in combating child labor.

KIIFF: What were the main challenges you faced during the filmmaking process? How did you overcome them?

Filmmaking is a true team effort, and the biggest challenge for any producer is keeping the whole team united and passionate about the project. Another challenge is securing funding. To overcome these hurdles, we relied on perseverance and sought out like-minded allies who shared our vision. This collaborative spirit was essential in ensuring the project moved forward despite the obstacles.

KIIFF: What unique features characterized the pre-production, production, and post-production phases of your film? Did any specific incidents or interesting experiences occur during these stages?

My team and director, Shoaib Sultan, had the unique opportunity to visit Iqbal Masih’s village and meet his friends and family. The circumstances surrounding Iqbal’s death were deeply intertwined with the stories shared by his loved ones. We had a rewarding experience speaking with Ronald Adams, a retired teacher from Broad Meadow School in Quincy, Massachusetts, who had hosted Iqbal during his visit to the U.S. to receive the Reebok Human Rights Award in 1994. We learned so much about Iqbal through his stories and the video he shared with us.

KIIFF: Did your film include a location or setting that was particularly difficult to find or use? How did you address this challenge?

Yes, we had to recreate the era of 1990s Pakistan, and finding authentic settings proved challenging. My team addressed this by leveraging local contacts to secure genuine locations that truly reflected the realities of the story we wanted to tell. We shot in Muridwala, Punjab, the old town of the child labor activist, to ensure the story’s authenticity.

KIIFF: How was your collaboration with your production team (actors, technical crew, etc.)? What key lessons did you learn about building a successful team?

Collaborating with a passionate and dedicated team was a truly enlightening experience. I learned that being a producer means listening to everyone’s perspective and remaining neutral, ensuring that all voices are heard. Clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision are crucial for successful collaboration. Each team member brought their unique strengths to the project, enriching our collective effort. I am grateful for the incredible cast and crew who made this project possible.

KIIFF: What is the core theme or message of your film, and what do you hope the audience will take away from it?

The core message of Gunjal is resilience and hope. I aim for audiences to feel inspired to oppose child labor and advocate for children’s rights. By highlighting Iqbal’s story, I hope to encourage viewers to take action and foster compassion in their own communities. The concept is about helping one child at a time.

KIIFF: Is there any experience from this project that you plan to apply or avoid in your future work?

I learned the immense value of fine-tuning the script, pre-production, and collaboration throughout this project. I plan to involve local voices more prominently in future endeavors. Additionally, I aim to avoid underestimating logistical challenges, which can significantly impact the filmmaking process and costs.

KIIFF: How have festivals and audience feedback influenced your artistic journey?

Festivals and audience feedback have been crucial in affirming our efforts and inspiring me to keep sharing impactful stories. The emotional reactions from viewers underscored the importance of our message and offered valuable insights for refining our work. Most importantly, when audiences express that they learned something new, it strengthens our mission and motivates us to continue.

KIIFF: As an independent filmmaker, what advice would you give to others who are entering this field?

My biggest lesson learned was the importance of doing my homework. If you haven’t done your research at the inception level, it will cost you during production and post-production. So take as much time as needed before rolling the cameras. Stay true to your vision, embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and cultivate a supportive network. The journey can be daunting, but surrounding yourself with passionate individuals makes all the difference.

KIIFF: If you had another opportunity, what changes would you make in the process of creating this project?

If presented with another opportunity, I would dedicate more time to thorough research and preparation, striving for deeper engagement from the very beginning. This approach would significantly enhance the authenticity and impact of our storytelling. Additionally, I would prioritize aligning all resources before entering production to ensure a seamless process.