Meet Nebal Shafi | Filmmaker & Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nebal Shafi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nebal, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve made would be choosing filmmaking as a career. I am from India and making a career choice that doesn’t 100% provide stability is very rare in my community. Just like every Indian kid, I studied science thinking I would become an engineer but somewhere I knew this isn’t for me. I used to dance a lot, going to multiple dance competitions around India, I thought I would choose that as a career. My parents weren’t happy about that and asked me to open up in the creative field and explore other options. During my under-graduation in mass communication & Journalism when I truly found my passion. I made my first short film which was selected for a film festival in Chennai (South India). I wanted to explore more and I made multiple short films and commercials during college but I didn’t win any competitions. After I graduated, I wanted to study more in the film but I was worried If I would ever make it. I spoke to multiple friends and family, all of whom said you should take up something more stable and you could make films later when you’re financially capable. I was so confused so I decided to apply for Film programs and journalism programs in North America and the UK and thought where ever I get admission, I would choose that. After a couple of months, I got accepted into three Film schools in North America and just one for Journalism. I was so happy and made up my mind. I am really glad I chose this path, I have learned so much in filmmaking and just in life.

What should our readers know about your business?
My name is Nebal Shafi. I am an independent writer, director, producer, and dancer. I am from India but I grew up in Saudi Arabia. I have made multiple short films, commercials, and dance videos over the past 7 years. I have grown up watching all kinds of movies from different countries and used to analyze a lot of films until I realized I want to start making them. I love telling stories through film and dance. The genres I love making are psychological thrillers, horror, and drama. It was only recently I realized why I want to make films. I want to make films to touch the audience positively and create an impact. I want people to question certain aspects of their life or in society. My favorite kind of films to watch and make are ones with realism and that have multiple layers of story elements. Where the characters are relatable, they go through situations that anybody could face. The one lesson I have learned is to not be afraid to let others know what you’re going through. I believe in expressing your inner struggles through art. When you portray your innermost feelings about yourself or anything, there is genuine honesty.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since most of friends are either in India or in the middle east and they’ve never visited America. I would probably take them for all the touristic attractions in Los Angeles. But I would definetly take them to old pasadena, I think its really pretty and it doesn’t feel like LA. I love to drink so maybe a few clubs and pubs along the way. Oh and Mexican food, Theres this really old street mexican cart in pasadena which I love.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest support system would be my family – My Mom, Dad, and Sister. Especially, my sister, I have always looked up to her, she is a doctor in Scranton and also a dancer. She worked hard to get here and that determination is what inspires me to keep going. My closest friends – Dilshan, Mervin, Nabeel, Abhijit, and Vipul. They are my childhood best friends who have always supported me and believed in me. They have pushed me to work hard to never give up.
Lastly, my best friend and partner – Jin. She has seen all my work since its beginning stages and has seen all my ups and downs. She pulled me up, every time I felt like giving up and pushes me to believe in my projects.

Website: www.nebalshafi.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nebal_shafi/