We had the good fortune of connecting with Neil Zafar Haeems and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Neil, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is an absolutely essential part of the filmmaking process. Every film is a gamble—you take a bunch of money, use some skill and a good deal of luck, and hope you end up with something that bears fruit and resonates with an audience. Every decision pushes you into unknown territory and it is your ability to adapt and develop creative instincts that allows you to achieve art. There’s always the danger of falling flat on your face, making the wrong decision, and ruining the film. But, that’s the real job of the filmmaker: to stay true to the characters, themes, and heart of the story you’re telling, through that fog.

As with any venture that requires a lot of resources and the dedication of a lot of people, there is a natural desire to mitigate risk by making films that are proven and surefire. However, to do away with risk is to remove all room for growth or innovation. If you’re making something you absolutely know is going to work, the process is rote and all discovery is vanquished, along with any hope of making art. When risk is removed from the equation, all you can produce is something uninspired and safe—the antithesis of art.

Throughout my time in film school, I have found that my most rewarding experiences are those that have required a leap of faith. Whether it was pitching a bold idea that felt too personal or diving into an ambitious project with limited resources, those moments of uncertainty often led to the most significant breakthroughs. Taking risks is how I hope to create work that stands out, resonates, and ultimately leaves a mark on the industry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is my commitment to creating characters and narratives that push boundaries and explore the most complex areas of the human condition. I aim to capture those moments of vulnerability, tension, and connection that often go unnoticed but hold so much power.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. There were plenty of setbacks, moments of doubt, and challenges that felt overwhelming at times. Developing a creative voice has been incredibly difficult for me—especially since I feel so very young. What can a 26-year-old really say about the world that may hold meaning to those with far more wisdom? I am incredibly cognizant of the fact that as I experience more and more of the world, I am developing my ability to articulate more complex and challenging ideas through film. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying true to your voice, even when the path forward is impossibly vague.

This drive to stay rooted in authenticity is what makes my stories uniquely mine.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of the greatest things about Los Angeles is its repertory theater scene. We’re so lucky to be the home of the American Cinematheque, and between is Los Feliz, Aero, and the recently re-opened Egyptian Theaters, I have spent countless hours watching incredible classic movies, often on 35mm, or glorious 70mm prints. In additional to the AC, we have the also recently re-opened Vista theater, and the New Beverly, both owned by Quentin Tarantino and dedicated playing great films ON film, the way the filmmakers originally intended. If that wasn’t enough, LA also boasts the Academy Museum, the Vidiots Theater, Brain Dead Studios, and the Secret Movie Club, which have enabled me to watch some of my favorite older films in theaters for the first time.

In addition to creating an incredible classic film subculture amongst LA theatergoers, these venues have made it possible for me to attend Q&As and see some of my favorite filmmakers speak live. In the last two years, I’ve been fortunate enough to attend events featuring Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Steve McQueen, Christopher Nolan, Werner Herzog, Ana Lily Amirpour, Guillermo Del Toro, and many more incredible filmmakers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be able to pursue my dreams without the support of my family. My parents, who have supported me in too many ways to list—even as I chose a risky career path, their love for me never wavered. My siblings, who are both incredibly talented in their own right, have provided me with so much inspiration and love.

Website: https://www.goodbyestrangerfilm.com

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

Other: Email: nhaeems@usc.edu
https://vimeo.com/neilzafarhaeems

Image Credits
Images by Yi-Lun Chien and Serena Qian

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