I see a very bright future. Filmmakers have more freedom now than ever before. International film festivals are doing a fantastic job of promoting indie voices, allowing us to bypass traditional gatekeepers. Arman Ali

1. What motivated you to focus on the themes of memory and identity in your films? – 

I wanted to create an “archive of sadness” for this century. Human sorrow and the way we remember pain change over time; I believe that 100 years from now, the collective memory of grief won’t be the same as it is today. Capturing these temporary emotions is my way of preserving a part of our shared human identity. 

2. How do you approach building trust with your subjects to facilitate authentic storytelling?

Initially, it was difficult; people were hesitant to share their most personal stories. I had to go into the field and prove my commitment. I printed leaflets and distributed them on London trains and streets, and ran online campaigns. When people saw my dedication, they began to trust me with their truths. From those entries, I selected the stories that felt the most raw and authentic. 

3. Can you describe a specific moment in Shades of Sadness that encapsulates the film’s core message? 

The core message lies in the realization that we often immerse ourselves in the sorrows of others to mask or process our own. There is a specific transition in the film where the narrator’s voice fades into a subject’s story, blurring the lines between the filmmaker and the subject. It highlights that in grief, we are all connected. 

4. What techniques do you use to evoke emotion in your audience through visual storytelling?

I typically enjoy using metaphors to tell a story. However, Shades of Sadness was an experimental journey for me—born out of a sense of frustration and self-reflection. I used a more direct, yet atmospheric visual style to mirror that internal struggle, allowing the audience to feel the “weight” of the silence. 

5. How do you define success as an independent filmmaker? 

Success, for me, is the ability to translate my inner vision accurately onto the screen and ensure that it reaches the right audience. If the film resonates with someone and makes them feel understood, that is a true success. 

6. Have you faced any misconceptions about independent filmmaking, and how do you address them? 

Coming from Bangladesh, there is a common misconception that indie filmmakers are only capable of making short TV dramas or short films, not feature-length cinema. I address this by pushing the boundaries of my craft, proving through international recognition that independent creators can handle complex, large-scale narratives. 

7. What role does collaboration play in your creative process, especially with your crew and subjects? 

Collaboration is vital, especially when working with a writer. The director and writer must share the same visual language. We must constantly ask: “Are we seeing the same image? Are we building the same world?” Alignment in vision is what makes a film connective. 8. How do you handle criticism or feedback about your work? 

I welcome it with an open mind. I am my own bold critic; I often feel I have so much more to learn. In fact, I’ll only be truly satisfied when I love my own movie.

9. What has been your most significant learning experience while making Shades of Sadness? 

Learning how hard it is to earn people’s trust. Convincing the world that I am not just a media worker, but a filmmaker dedicated to a feature-length vision, was a significant challenge. Transitioning from random media roles to a focused directorial path was my greatest learning curve. 

10. How does the cultural background of your subjects influence the narratives you choose to tell? 

I searched for diversity because cultural backgrounds add layers to sorrow. For instance, some of my subjects are migrants in Turkey who face harassment because of language barriers. These specific cultural struggles make the narrative more universal and interesting, showing how pain is shaped by our environment. 

11. What impact do you hope your films have on societal perceptions of vulnerability? 

I hope viewers relate to the film and realize they are not alone in their suffering. By showing a spectrum of grief, I want to destigmatize vulnerability and show that shared pain can be a source of collective strength. 

12. Can you discuss the importance of sound design and music in your documentaries?

 Music was crucial. Previously, I relied on royalty-free tracks for shorts, but for this feature, I collaborated with a Bangladeshi musician named Nadim. Despite our tight festival deadlines, he meticulously crafted a score that breathed life into the emotional core of the film. 

13. How do you navigate the ethical considerations of documentary filmmaking? 

My ethical compass is guided by my own sense of honesty. I only portray what I truly understand and what I believe serves the truth of the subject without exploitation. 

14. What challenges do you face when transitioning from directing to editing?

It was very challenging. I originally had an editor, but delays put our festival deadlines at risk. Since I have editing skills, I took over the role myself. Balancing the objective eye of a director with the technical “rush” of editing was difficult, but it allowed me to maintain total creative control. 

15. How do you see the landscape of independent filmmaking evolving? 

I see a very bright future. Filmmakers have more freedom now than ever before. International film festivals are doing a fantastic job of promoting indie voices, allowing us to bypass traditional gatekeepers. 

16. What filmmakers or artists have inspired your work? 

I am deeply inspired by Alejandro Amenábar and Sion Sono. Their artistic approach and unique way of telling stories are unparalleled. If I transition into fiction, I aim to challenge their courage in exploring the unconventional. 

17. How do you envision the future of Shades of Sadness after its recognition at the Stockholm City Film Festival? 

Firstly, I want to thank the Stockholm City Film Festival for this “Honorable Mention” —it has exceeded my expectations and pushed me forward. My next goal is to secure a release on an international VOD/online platform to ensure the “Shades of Sadness” reaches a global audience.