A Collaborative Approach to Filmmaking

During a panel discussion titled Directing with Purpose: Shaping the Vision at the ninth annual International Photography Festival, Xposure 2025, held in Aljada, Sharjah, a group of award-winning filmmakers underscored the significance of collaboration throughout the filmmaking process—from selecting a screenplay to casting and editing.

Moderated by American film producer Franklin Leonard, the panel included Emirati filmmaker Maitha Alawadi, American writer-actor Travon Free, and Indian filmmaker Neel Kumar. They delved into the creative journey, the importance of artistic integrity, and the challenges of aligning vision with production realities.

Insights from Maitha Alawadi

Maitha Alawadi, renowned for her bold and culturally authentic storytelling, emphasized, “Every member of the film team is like family, and every idea they contribute, including those from child actors, is valuable. Sometimes, they might surprise you with their creativity, and it’s essential to step back and consider what’s best for the project.” A fan of animation and fantasy, she finds immense joy in casting the right actors for her films.

“The actors I choose perfectly embody my vision and help express my reality. My goal is to cultivate my unique methodology and voice to make Emirati culture relatable on a global scale. I focus on the finer details, and this collaborative spirit enhances the visual storytelling,” she added. Maitha also noted that her visualization evolved upon seeing the actual locations, with AI playing a role in character development.

Travon Free’s Visual Approach

Travon Free, a writer, actor, and comedian, shared his passion for the visual aspects of storytelling, which has facilitated his transition into film direction and writing. “I seek out visually intriguing elements to keep things fresh. Watching a variety of films helps me understand different directorial styles, and the more I watch, the clearer my vision becomes. It’s also about recognizing where the camera shouldn’t go,” he explained. He prides himself on being highly collaborative, adopting a democratic approach to decision-making that includes input from interns.

Neel Kumar’s Collaborative Philosophy

Neel Kumar, a Dubai-based filmmaker, writer, and storyteller, echoed a similar collaborative ethos, prioritizing the collective over ego in his decision-making. He remarked, “When a powerful idea emerges, everything falls into place. A great director possesses strong psychological insight. If I can deeply explore an idea, there’s ample material for the actors to work with.” Quoting Michelangelo’s philosophy on sculpting David, he noted that characters naturally evolve through the actors’ interpretations.

Organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), Xposure 2025 will continue until February 26, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities for professionals in the film and television entertainment industry.