Kingdom of Dreams Podcast

Jawad Mir
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Film Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

Kingdom of Dreams Podcast is a must-listen for film enthusiasts. As a director, producer, and passionate movie lover, I’ve always been captivated by the behind-the-scenes stories, especially those from my own filmmaking journey. This podcast is dedicated to uncovering untold stories from Directors, Editors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers, Production Designers, Producers, Composers, VFX artists, and more. It also explores the highs and lows of building a career in filmmaking and the profound ways it shapes our personal lives.

  1. 3d ago

    EP 324 - 'Fall 2: Deadpoint' - Cinematographer - Andrew Strahorn

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with cinematographer Andrew Strahorn to discuss his work on Fall 2: Deadpoint and the technical challenges of telling a story through the camera. Andrew takes us inside the visual approach to the film, from camera choices and framing to capturing scale, tension, and emotion. We also explore the challenges of production, the visual arc of the story, and how the journey evolved alongside the cast and crew. It’s a fascinating conversation about cinematography, technical problem-solving, visual storytelling, and creating a cinematic experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Andrew Strahorn is an Australian cinematographer known for his work across feature films, television, commercials, and music videos. His credits include the survival thriller Fall, where his striking cinematography helped create the film’s intense sense of height, isolation, and danger. His other feature work includes The Last Son, Inheritance, 211, The 2nd, and One Ranger. Strahorn’s visual style often combines strong cinematic compositions with naturalistic lighting, bringing atmosphere and scale to character-driven stories. #fall #fall2deadpoint #thriller #drama   http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    EP 324 - 'Fall 2: Deadpoint' - Cinematographer - Andrew Strahorn

  2. 5d ago

    EP 323 - 'The Cycle of Love' - Director/Protagonists - Orlando, P.K. & Lotta

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with Academy Award-winning director Orlando von Einsiedel and protagonists P.K. and Lotta to discuss their remarkable journey of making the film. We explore how Orlando, P.K. and Lotta came together, the challenges they faced along the way, and the trust and connection that developed as they worked to bring this deeply personal story to the screen. It’s a beautiful conversation about filmmaking, human connection, resilience, and the extraordinary journey of meeting one another and coming together to tell this story. Orlando von Einsiedel is an Academy Award-winning British documentary filmmaker and founder of Grain Media. He is best known for directing The White Helmets, which won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short, and the Oscar-nominated Virunga. His work focuses on powerful human stories exploring conflict, resilience, courage and social change. #documentary #cycleoflove #lovestory #romance #journey   http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    EP 323 - 'The Cycle of Love' - Director/Protagonists - Orlando, P.K. & Lotta

  3. Sep 4

    EP 322 - Filming 'Hanging by the Wire' - Cinematographer - Brendan McGinty

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with cinematographer Brendan McGinty to discuss his work on the gripping documentary Hanging by a Wire. Brendan takes us behind the camera to explore how the film captures both the emotional human moments and the edge-of-your-seat suspense surrounding this extraordinary real-life incident in Pakistan. We discuss the visual approach, filming under intense circumstances, and finding the balance between tension and humanity. It’s a fascinating conversation about cinematography, suspense, emotion, and why, at its heart, Hanging by a Wire is simply a film about human beings caught in an extraordinary situation. McGinty is a cinematographer and director of photography known for his work across film, television, commercials, and documentary projects. His cinematography is characterized by a strong visual sensibility, naturalistic lighting, and an emphasis on using composition and camera movement to support character and story. Throughout his career, McGinty has collaborated with directors and creative teams on a range of productions, bringing a thoughtful, story-driven approach to the camera department and balancing technical precision with cinematic imagery. #hangingbythewire #pakistan #documentary #cinematographer #sundance    http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    EP 322 - Filming 'Hanging by the Wire' - Cinematographer - Brendan McGinty

  4. Sep 2

    EP 321 - 'The Last Breath First' - Novel - Nasreen Variyawa

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with author Nasreen Variyawa to discuss her first novel, The Last Breath First, and the deeply personal journey behind the book. Nasreen opens up about loss, grief, and how those experiences found their way into her writing. We explore the process of turning grief into storytelling, creating characters from a place of emotion, and finding meaning and hope through the creative process. It’s a heartfelt conversation about loss, healing, love, writing, and how some of our most difficult experiences can inspire the stories we tell. Nasreen Variyawa is a South African author, editor, educator and author coach whose work explores love, faith, personal growth and resilience. After spending more than a decade in Türkiye teaching and working with aspiring writers, she returned to South Africa to continue her writing career. She is the author of several books, including the award-winning Exceptional Authors Are Authentic and the novel Tuqburni: Bury Me Softly. Her latest work, The Last Breath First, is a contemporary Muslim romance exploring second chances, healing, faith and love. #TheLastBreathFirst #NasreenVariyawa #KingdomOfDreamsPodcast #GriefAndHealing   http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    EP 321 - 'The Last Breath First' - Novel - Nasreen Variyawa

  5. Aug 31

    EP 320 - 'Hanging by the Wire' - Director - Mohammed Naqvi

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed filmmaker Mohammed Ali Naqvi to discuss his documentary Hanging by a Wire, based on an extraordinary real-life incident in Pakistan. Mohammed takes us behind the scenes of bringing this remarkable story to the screen, from capturing the real people and events to building the edge-of-your-seat suspense that makes the documentary unfold like a thriller. He also shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the production and the challenges of telling such an intense true story. We also talk about the film’s journey, upcoming and future showings, and what he hopes audiences take away from experiencing Hanging by a Wire on the big screen. Mohammed Ali Naqvi is an award-winning Pakistani-American filmmaker known for documentaries that explore politics, identity, religion, and social justice in Pakistan and South Asia. His acclaimed films include Insha’Allah Democracy, Among the Believers, Shame, The Accused: Damned or Devoted?, and Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror. His work has been recognized with Emmy nominations and major international festival screenings, and has appeared on platforms and broadcasters including Netflix, PBS, Showtime, and the BBC. Naqvi’s filmmaking often combines intimate access with larger political and cultural questions, examining subjects such as religious extremism, democracy, women’s rights, and the relationship between Pakistan and the West. He has become an important documentary voice for stories emerging from Pakistan, bringing complex and often controversial subjects to international audiences. #HangingByAWire #DocumentaryFilm #TrueStory #PakistaniCinema #Pakistan #BehindTheScenes   http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    EP 320 - 'Hanging by the Wire' - Director - Mohammed Naqvi

  6. Aug 28

    EP 319 - 'The End of Oak Street' - Editor - John Axelrad

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed editor John Axelrad, ACE, to discuss his work on The End of Oak Street, one of the most remarkable films of the year. John takes us inside the editing room, breaking down how tension and suspense are carefully built, how pacing shapes the audience’s experience, and the choices that turn individual moments into a gripping sequence. We also dive into a specific scene, with John walking us through the editing decisions and creative thinking behind it. It’s a fascinating conversation about editing, tension, pacing, performance, and the invisible craft behind one of the year’s most impressive films. John Axelrad, ACE, is an acclaimed American film editor known for his work across independent cinema, studio films, and television. Over his career, he has collaborated with filmmakers including James Gray, David Lowery, and others, developing a reputation for emotionally driven, character-focused editing. His film credits include We Own the Night, The Immigrant, The Lost City of Z, Ad Astra, The Green Knight, The Old Man & the Gun, Krampus, Crazy Heart, and The End of the Tour. His work spans drama, science fiction, fantasy, thriller, and comedy, demonstrating a versatile approach to pacing, performance, and visual storytelling. A member of American Cinema Editors (ACE), Axelrad is particularly respected for shaping performances and finding the emotional rhythm of a film in the editing room. #theendofoakstreet #dinosaurs #jjabrams #annehathaway #ewanmcgregor   http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    EP 319 - 'The End of Oak Street' - Editor - John Axelrad

  7. Aug 26

    EP 318 - Filming 'The Odyssey' Book - Author James Mottram

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with author and film journalist James Mottram to discuss his book Filming The Odyssey and the making of Christopher Nolan’s epic film. James takes us behind the production, sharing stories from the cast and crew, his favorite sequences, Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking approach, and the extraordinary practical effects used to bring the story to life. We also explore the ambitious use of IMAX 70mm and what it means for the scale and experience of the film. It’s a fascinating conversation about The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan, practical filmmaking, IMAX, and the stories behind one of the most ambitious productions in modern cinema. James Mottram is a British film journalist, critic and author who has written extensively about cinema for more than two decades. His work has appeared in publications including Total Film, The Independent, The Times, The Sunday Times and Sight and Sound. He is the author of numerous books exploring major films and filmmakers, with a particular focus on the creative process and behind-the-scenes production. His books include works on Christopher Nolan, Tenet, Oppenheimer and The Odyssey, offering access to filmmakers, craftspeople, production imagery and the making of large-scale contemporary cinema. #theyodyssey #mattdamon #christophernolan #tomholland #annehathaway   http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    EP 318 - Filming 'The Odyssey' Book - Author James Mottram

  8. Aug 24

    EP 317 - William Stout - Illustrator - 'Pans Labyrinth', 'Predator', 'Return of the Living Dead'

    Tell us what you though of the episode 🎙️ On this episode of the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed illustrator and concept artist William Stout to discuss his remarkable career in filmmaking and design. William takes us behind his work on iconic films including Pan’s Labyrinth, Predator, and The Return of the Living Dead. He shares stories about how he met Guillermo del Toro, sharing an office with Kathleen Kennedy and Steven Spielberg, and his experiences working with George Lucas. It’s a fascinating conversation about illustration, creature and character design, filmmaking, and the incredible people and stories behind some of cinema’s most memorable worlds. William Stout is an acclaimed American illustrator, concept artist, production designer, and filmmaker whose career spans more than five decades. Known for his richly detailed fantasy, science-fiction, horror, and prehistoric artwork, Stout has contributed designs and concept art to numerous films, including Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, The Return of the Living Dead, Masters of the Universe, Predator, The Mist, and Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth. Beyond film, Stout is celebrated for his dinosaur and prehistoric-life illustrations, comic and album artwork, murals, and theme-park design. His distinctive combination of imaginative creature design and traditional illustration has made him an influential figure in fantasy and cinematic art.   http://twitter.com/dreamingkingdom http://instagram.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast http://facebook.com/kingdomofdreamspodcast   Watch the feature films that I have directed Citizen of Moria - https://rb.gy/azpsu In Search of My Sister -  https://rb.gy/1ke21 Official Website - www.jawadmir.com

    EP 317 - William Stout - Illustrator - 'Pans Labyrinth', 'Predator', 'Return of the Living Dead'
See All (324)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Kingdom of Dreams Podcast is a must-listen for film enthusiasts. As a director, producer, and passionate movie lover, I’ve always been captivated by the behind-the-scenes stories, especially those from my own filmmaking journey. This podcast is dedicated to uncovering untold stories from Directors, Editors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers, Production Designers, Producers, Composers, VFX artists, and more. It also explores the highs and lows of building a career in filmmaking and the profound ways it shapes our personal lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Jawad Mir
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    324
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kingdom of Dreams Podcast
  • Show Website
    Kingdom of Dreams Podcast

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