Onlykashmir.in Desk
Born in Mumbai, Ayesha Zaki is the CEO and owner of Tinsel Town Films in the UAE. Along with filmmaking, she is also a successful producer and director, and her work is globally appreciated. She is known as the OTT Queen of Dubai. She is the first Indian woman filmmaker in the UAE whose short films and music videos are streaming successfully worldwide on Dish TV, cable and satellite networks, and major OTT platforms. Her short films on global burning issues have garnered much praise and prestigious awards.
In an exclusive interview with Onlykashmir.in, Ayesha Zaki speaks with our senior editor, Mr. Rameez Makhdoomi. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Q: Tell us a bit about your childhood days.
AZ: Born in Mumbai, the main center of the Indian film industry for a century, my favorite hobby was watching Bollywood movies. Since childhood, it was my dream to become a filmmaker and movie director.
Q: What was your academic life like?
AZ: In my teens, I would join friends on film sets just to watch them perform. My interest in production grew from there. Following my passion, I interned and learned filming techniques and processes. Later, I moved to Dubai with my family.
Q: How did filmmaking happen for you?
AZ: It was either a coincidence or destiny. After a long hiatus from the field, I got an opportunity in 2015 to volunteer part-time at the Dubai International Film Festival. There, I met many talented students with similar interests and passions for the film world. I joined them as part of the production team and learned new techniques in cinematography, pre-production, and post-production processes. In 2020, when I felt confident in my abilities and skills, I started my own film production company, Tinsel Town Films, in the UAE.
Q: You are a renowned name on OTT platforms. Can you tell us more about that?
AZ: As a social filmmaker, producer, and director, I became a role model for many. I always felt I should use my storytelling talent to produce social awareness movies that benefit the community. My social awareness movies are streaming on Dish TV, cable, and satellite in Mumbai and on many OTT platforms worldwide. I was honored as the ‘OTT Queen’ at the Emirates Film Festival 2022. I also hold the historic milestone of being the first Indian woman filmmaker in the UAE to achieve these heights, making all Indians proud.
Q: Can you tell us about your movie journey?
- Movie: Never Judge A Book By Its Cover
Release Year: 2021
Contribution: Producer, Director, and Actress
OTT Streaming on: Tata Play, Tata Play Binge, Jio, Jio TV.
Dish TV, Cable, and Satellite: NXT, DEN, Hathway, InDigital. - Movie: Ek Chotisi Love Story
Release Year: 2021
Contribution: Producer and Director
OTT Streaming on: Tata Play, Tata Play Binge, Jio, Jio TV.
Dish TV, Cable, and Satellite: NXT, DEN, Hathway, InDigital. - Movie: Ten Thousand (Arabic Language)
Release Year: 2021
Contribution: Producer
Available on: Tinsel Town Films YouTube channel. - Movie: I Love You Mom
Release Year: 2021
Contribution: Producer and Director
Available on: Tinsel Town Films YouTube channel. - Movie: Meri Mom Ke Woh Din
Release Year: 2021
Contribution: Producer and Director
OTT Streaming on: Hungama, MXPlayer, Google Play, Epicon, and VIMovies&TV, Tata Play, Tata Play Binge, Jio, Jio TV.
Dish TV, Cable, and Satellite: NXT, DEN, Hathway, InDigital. - Movie: Can You Swim Now
Release Year: 2022
Contribution: Art Director
Available on: Tinsel Town Films YouTube channel. - Music Video: Should Tell Me
Release Year: 2022
Contribution: Director
Available on: Unreleased. - Music Video: Bahut Din Ho Gaye
Release Year: 2022
Contribution: Producer
Available on: Prime Video Amazon and YouTube. - Movie: Papa Businessman
Release Year: 2023
Contribution: Producer and Director
OTT Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar, Tata Play, Tata Play Binge, Jio, Jio TV.
Dish TV, Cable, and Satellite: NXT, DEN, Hathway, InDigital. - Movie: The World Is In Our Hands
Release Year: 2024
Contribution: Producer and Director
OTT Streaming on: Hungama, Airtel Xstream, Watcho, Green Chilli TV, Tata Play, Tata Play Binge, Jio, Jio TV, Limex TV, and Distro TV.
Coming soon on more OTT platforms such as: Prime Video Amazon, Vodafone, Dish TV, Cable, and Satellite.
Q: Tell us about your impactful movie, “The World Is In Our Hands,” on the importance of water conservation.
AZ: “The World Is In Our Hands” is not just a movie; it’s a social awareness campaign. I’ve submitted this movie to many NGOs worldwide where people face water scarcity. The sustainability awareness campaign has been successfully implemented in schools and malls through free screenings to spread the message of global warming and water conservation. The movie is also streaming on many OTT platforms, reaching a large audience globally. Due to the negligence of some, our natural resources are not reaching those in need. Many parts of the world face water crises due to global warming, climate change, and environmental degradation. Research shows that 8 gallons of tap water are wasted in one minute by a single person. As responsible humans, it is our duty to save the world by preserving our natural resources. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Make a difference.
Q: Who are your role models?
AZ: None.
Q: What are your future goals?
AZ: I will continue making social awareness movies and releasing them on OTT platforms. In this digital era, OTT platforms are the most accessible and fastest way to reach the masses. Through storytelling and filmmaking, I strive to achieve my social awareness goals for humanity.
Q: How has the UAE helped your growth?
AZ: I enjoy making films in the UAE as it allows me to work with people from different nationalities and diverse cultures. There are many great facilities provided by official bodies for independent filmmakers in this country.
Q: What is your message to humanity?
AZ: I certainly do not want to die without having done something wonderful for humanity. There’s a famous saying, “Great acts are made up of small deeds,” and I believe unconditional love for all human beings is the foundation of humanity.
