Experiencing Interruptions?

I Choose Openness

"I Choose Openness" is a short film about identity told through scenes from my time abroad. It parallels my journey to understand the conflicts in the world with my own internal conflict caused by my different Muslim, American, and immigrant identities. With the rising anti-immigrant and Muslim rhetoric in the United States, I think this story is more important than ever. I hope that my decision to choose uncertainty over absolutes will help others see differences as reasons for celebration rather than as a source of conflict.

This film was praised by Oscar-Nominated Writer, Willard Huyck, as "a beautifully crafted and very moving meditation on a personal level that simultaneously evokes today's international soul searching."

  • Thamine Nayeem
    Director
  • Thamine Nayeem
    Writer
  • Thamine Nayeem
    Producer
  • Features IES Abroad Members - Joy Malonza, Katie Salem, Grace Gou
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Runtime:
    9 hours 4 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    August 1, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    800 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    France, Italy, Morocco, Spain, United Kingdom, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Canon T5i, 18-55mm, 1080p
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
  • IES Abroad Film Festival

    United States
    August 24, 2016
    3rd Place Winner
Distribution Information
  • YouTube
    Country: United States
    Rights: Internet
Director - Thamine Nayeem