Meet SALMAN ALAM KHAN | FILMMAKER

We had the good fortune of connecting with SALMAN ALAM KHAN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SALMAN, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
For me, curiosity has always been the starting point. I take risks because I want to understand something more deeply — about people, culture, or myself. Whenever I’ve taken a big step in life or in my career, it’s usually because I felt curious about what would happen if I went beyond what I already knew.

Moving to a new country to study film was a risk, but it came from curiosity about how storytelling could feel different when seen from another culture’s lens. Even when I make films that explore identity or subjects that are emotionally heavy, that’s also a kind of risk — to be vulnerable and to tell stories that might make some people uncomfortable. But that curiosity to explore human emotions and contradictions is what drives me. I’ve learned that when curiosity leads, fear becomes smaller.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work has always been deeply personal. I tell stories that explore identity, belonging, and the emotional complexity of being South Asian in today’s world. What sets my work apart, I think, is the way I approach vulnerability — I try to create films that feel honest, quiet, and emotionally grounded, but that still challenge the audience to look at familiar experiences in a new light.

I’m most proud of the projects that came from a place of genuine emotion. Films like Out Beyond and The Last Session came from very personal reflections — moments of confusion, loss, and healing. When people tell me they saw a part of themselves in those stories, that means more than any award or recognition. That’s the reason I do this.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. I grew up in a place where pursuing art wasn’t always seen as practical, and where mental health or self-expression weren’t easy topics to talk about. Then moving to a new country meant starting over, learning everything from scratch, and finding my place in a completely different creative world. But each challenge pushed me to grow — to find my own language as an artist, to keep creating even when no one was watching, and to trust that my story mattered.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that honesty is everything. You can have the best equipment, the best team, or the best plan, but if your work isn’t honest, it won’t connect. I want the world to know that my art comes from a place of care — care for the stories we tell, for the people we represent, and for the emotions we often hide.

At its heart, my work is about creating space — for empathy, for reflection, and for voices that deserve to be heard. That’s what drives me, and that’s what I hope continues to define everything I create.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, I think it would really depend on where we were. If it was in Lahore, I’d take them straight to all my favorite food spots — because you can’t really understand Lahore without tasting it. We’d go for street food, some classic local places, and probably end the night with chai somewhere lively. I’d also take them to Old Lahore, which is full of history and energy, and to Lawrence Garden, one of my favorite places in the city to just slow down and breathe. If there’s a play happening, we’d definitely go to the theater, and maybe visit a few art galleries — Lahore has such a beautiful creative spirit that often surprises people.

If it was in Los Angeles, the plan would look very different but just as fun. I’d take them to the beach — there’s something grounding about being near the ocean here. We’d go for a hike, maybe somewhere like Griffith or Malibu, and visit the Academy Museum because it’s such a special place for anyone who loves film. The week would be a mix of quiet moments, art, and great food — the kind of experiences that make you feel connected to a place.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been really lucky to work with so many different people over the years, and honestly, that started long before film school. Every person I collaborated with, whether it was on a small project or something bigger, taught me something new. I learned how people see the world differently, how they tell stories, and how much beauty there is in collaboration itself. I think those early experiences shaped the kind of filmmaker I became — someone who values listening as much as creating.

I also want to give a lot of credit to my friends who have supported me and believed in me, especially during the times when I wasn’t sure where things were heading. Being an artist can feel uncertain, and it’s easy to doubt yourself. Having friends who remind you why you started, who show up when things get difficult, that kind of support really means everything. It’s what keeps you going.

So much of what I’ve achieved has come from the people around me — their trust, kindness, and belief in what I’m trying to do. I don’t think anyone gets anywhere alone, and I’m deeply grateful for the people who’ve walked with me on this path.

Website: https://www.thesalmanalam.com

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