Conversations Across Borders | A Podcast Series by South Asians in Cinema Collective

South Asians in Cinema Collective

From Scotland to South Asia and beyond, this podcast is rooted in one clear purpose: to connect and amplify South Asian screen talent based in Scotland by creating access to global conversations, networks, and knowledge. Conversations Across Borders is a podcast spotlighting the voices, journeys, and ideas shaping South Asian screen culture across the world. Through candid conversations with actors, directors, producers, writers, and creative leaders, the series explores what it means to build a career in film and television across industries, identities, and geographies.

Episodes

  1. 1h ago

    In conversation with Director-Producer Abid Khan

    The conversation delves into the journey of British-Pakistani director-producer Abid Khan, who defies the traditional narrative of becoming a filmmaker. From childhood exposure to cinema to the challenges of film distribution, the discussion explores themes of self-taught filmmaking, cultural diversity, and the impact of audience engagement. Abid's approach to filmmaking emphasises artistic integrity and the purpose of storytelling beyond industry recognition. The conversation with Abid Khan delves into the multifaceted world of filmmaking, exploring themes of success, awards, and the reality of the industry. It also highlights the challenges and opportunities of international co-productions, and the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the film industry. Abid shares valuable insights and advice for emerging filmmakers, emphasising the importance of purpose, perseverance, and collaboration. Takeaways • Self-taught filmmakers challenge industry norms. • The purpose of film school is to learn the craft and self-understanding. • Cultural diversity on set enhances authenticity and shared experiences. • Why success can lead to complacency, and discomfort is essential for growth. • Awards and festival recognition offer networking opportunities but do not guarantee success. • International co-productions require cultural understanding and financial collaboration. Chapters • 00:00 Defying the Filmmaker Narrative • 06:34 Film School and Artistic Development • 17:39 The Journey of Granada Nights • 23:37 Film Release and Audience Impact • 30:10 The Rebel Filmmaker • 36:31 Balancing International Networks and Storytelling • 43:06 Upcoming Film Projects • 50:12 Barriers and Challenges • 56:44 Advice for Emerging Filmmakers Abid Khan is a British-Pakistani director-producer whose work is shaped by a deep commitment to bold, cross-cultural storytelling. Across his practice, he is drawn to stories that explore identity, belonging, migration, intimacy and human connection — themes that sit at the heart of contemporary diasporic experience. His debut feature film, Granada Nights (2020), received critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling, emotional honesty and spirit of international collaboration. Set against the backdrop of Spain, the film reflects Abid’s interest in stories that move across cultures and geographies, while remaining grounded in personal experience and emotional truth. A BIFA Springboard 2023 and Rotterdam Lab 2025 alum, Abid is part of a growing generation of filmmakers working across the UK, South Asia and the wider international independent film landscape. His work reflects a strong belief in collaboration across borders — not only as a production model, but as a creative philosophy. Abid is committed to championing underrepresented voices and creating space for stories that are rarely centred in mainstream cinema. Through his work as both producer and director, he continues to develop projects that address the question of home, identity, displacement and connection, while fostering meaningful creative partnerships across countries and communities. With a practice rooted in both cultural specificity and global collaboration, Abid Khan represents an exciting voice in contemporary cross-cultural cinema. Join us as we build a new space for dialogue, access and connection through conversations with South Asian voices shaping global cinema. Host: Tabassum Islam Artistic Director & Creative Producer: Rakasree Basu Supported by the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District Fund, South Asians in Cinema Collective is an initiative of Momentum Films. 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway 📌 Save & share 🎧 Follow for more conversations soon

    57 min
  2. In conversation with Producer Kanwal Khoosat

    May 19

    In conversation with Producer Kanwal Khoosat

    Kanwal Khoosat, a Pakistani producer, production designer, and executive director of Olomopolo Media, shares her journey of making Pakistani independent films and taking them to the world. She discusses the challenges, successes, and the impact of her work on the global stage. The challenges faced by South Asian independent filmmakers, the impact of international recognition, and the experience of participating in the Rotterdam Lab. Kanwal shares her journey as a transnational film producer and the challenges she faced in building a community, finding opportunities, and navigating the international film industry. She emphasises the importance of practical experience and the impact of formal training on a filmmaker's career. She also discusses the journey of her recent film 'Lali', which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival. Takeaways · Pakistani independent cinema's global journey · The challenges and triumphs of sharing Pakistani films with international and local audiences · Challenges of South Asian independent filmmakers · Impact of international recognition · Experience of participating in the Rotterdam Lab and Community Building · Impact of International Film Festivals in shaping a film's journey · Practical Experience vs. Formal Training · Challenges of the Film Industry · Resilience and Artistic Pursuit Chapters 00:00 The Role of the Producer in Filmmaking 06:11 The Impact of Film Premieres and International Exposure 16:02 Cross-Border Exchange and Cultural Proximity 21:06 The Reality of Being Disallowed for a Theatrical Release 26:24 Dealing with Film Piracy and Online Leaks 36:03 Impact of International Recognition 51:18 Experience of Participating in the Rotterdam Lab 57:40 Formal Training vs. Practical Experience in Filmmaking 01:07:40 Journey of the Film 'Lali' and the Significance of International Film Festivals 01:14:51 Impact of International Film Festivals and advice for filmmakers Kanwal Khoosat is a renowned Pakistani producer, director, writer, and production designer whose work spans theatre, film, and television, marked by a commitment to bold, socially engaged storytelling. Known for crafting narratives that are both compelling and politically resonant, her work explores identity, marginalisation, and the power of cultural expression to challenge societal norms. Kanwal is the co-founder of Olomopolo Media, an interdisciplinary creative platform based in Lahore that develops projects across visual and performing arts. Through Olomopolo, she has consistently championed underrepresented voices, including women, LGBTQIA+ communities, and other marginalised groups, using storytelling as a tool for dialogue, inclusion, and social change. Her body of work includes critically acclaimed titles such as Zindagi Tamasha (Pakistan’s Oscar submission and Kim Ji-Seok Award winner at the Busan International Film Festival), Joyland (Jury Prize winner in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes Film Festival), and Kamli. Her practice also extends to theatre, with works like Maya, reflecting her multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. Kanwal's current feature, Lali, marks a historic milestone as the first Pakistani film to premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) — signalling a significant moment for Pakistani cinema on the global stage. Across mediums, Kanwal Khoosat continues to build a body of work that is fearless, politically aware, and deeply rooted in the cultural realities of the region, while resonating with international audiences. Join us as we build a new space for dialogue, access and connection through conversations with South Asian voices shaping global cinema. Host: Tabassum Islam Artistic Director & Creative Producer: Rakasree Basu Supported by the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District Fund, South Asians in Cinema Collective is an initiative of Momentum Films. 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway 📌 Save & share 🎧 Follow for more conversations soon

    1h 16m
  3. Apr 20

    In conversation with Filmmaker Nuhash Humayun

    The conversation with filmmaker Nuhash Humayun explores the changing landscape of cinema, the filmmaker's early journey, self-taught filmmaking, accessing international labs, the impact of global recognition, crowdsourcing stories, unintended global reach, navigating the global stage, finding the right path, and authentic storytelling vs. festival expectations. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities faced by filmmakers, emphasising the importance of authenticity, navigating industry expectations, and the impact of international recognition. It also explores the role of networking, equity in the film industry, and provides advice for aspiring filmmakers. Nuhash Humayun shares insights on his journey, the impact of festival recognition, and the importance of making something unique.Takeaways· Local stories with deep locality can resonate globally · Authentic storytelling is key to global resonance and success. · Authenticity and passion are crucial in filmmaking · Navigating industry expectations and international recognition · Balancing dreams and realism in the filmmaking journey Chapters00:00 The Changing Landscape of Cinema05:43 Self-Taught Filmmaking15:54 Sincerely Yours, Dhaka and Global Resonance21:58 Unintended Global Reach27:00 Finding the Right Path32:36 Navigating Film Festivals and Industry Expectations39:19 Hands-On Filmmaking and International Recognition48:29 Equity and Democratisation in the Film Industry53:37 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers Nuhash Humayun is a Bangladeshi screenwriter and director known for his bold, genre-bending storytelling deeply rooted in South Asian narratives. With a distinctive voice that challenges conventional forms, his work explores identity, politics, and social anxieties through inventive cinematic language.A 2022 Sundance Institute Alfred P. Sloan Fellow, Nuhash is also an alumnus of the Asian Film Academy and has received international support from leading platforms, including Film Independent, Marché du Film, Locarno Open Doors, and NFDC Film Bazaar, positioning him firmly within the global independent film circuit.He first gained international recognition with the anthology feature Sincerely Yours, Dhaka, which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in 2018 before its global release on Netflix. His subsequent works, including Pett Kata Shaw and the critically acclaimed short Moshari, have further cemented his reputation as a pioneering voice in South Asian genre cinema.Moshari became a landmark achievement, winning multiple international awards and emerging as Bangladesh’s first Oscar-qualifying film. The film’s global success led to Nuhash signing with Anonymous Content and Creative Artists Agency in 2022, with acclaimed filmmakers Jordan Peele and Riz Ahmed joining as executive producers, marking a significant crossover into the international industry.Following this breakthrough, Nuhash expanded into international television, directing the episode “Foreigners Only” for Hulu’s horror anthology series Bite-Size Halloween.With a rapidly growing global footprint, Nuhash Humayun represents a new wave of South Asian filmmakers redefining genre cinema by bringing local stories to international audiences with urgency, originality, and cinematic flair. Watch the full episode now and join us as we build a new space for dialogue, access, and connection. Host: Tabassum Islam Artistic Director & Creative Producer: Rakasree Basu Supported by the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District Fund, South Asians in Cinema Collective is an initiative of Momentum Films. 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway 📌 Save & share Follow us for more updates soon.

    54 min

About

From Scotland to South Asia and beyond, this podcast is rooted in one clear purpose: to connect and amplify South Asian screen talent based in Scotland by creating access to global conversations, networks, and knowledge. Conversations Across Borders is a podcast spotlighting the voices, journeys, and ideas shaping South Asian screen culture across the world. Through candid conversations with actors, directors, producers, writers, and creative leaders, the series explores what it means to build a career in film and television across industries, identities, and geographies.