Private Project

Fatima

When Fatima pays Rafael to marry her for a green card, their deal takes a messy turn - casual becomes complicated, but love was never part of the contract.

  • Zaha Alieva
    Director
  • Zaha Alieva
    Writer
  • Jwann Layton
    Producer
  • Zaha Alieva
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 48 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 22, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    8,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema
Director Biography - Zaha Alieva

Zaha Alieva, originally from Kazakhstan, pursued her undergraduate studies in journalism and social studies. Upon relocating to New York in 2014, she shifted her focus to filmmaking and photography.

Zaha completed a film program at Digital Film Academy in 2018. Since then, she has been working as a freelance filmmaker and photographer.

In 2020 her still-life photography was featured by Fotografiska New York and Fotografiska Stolkholm as part of Stop Motion Series. Zaha’s short film, "Marie, my first," created during the pandemic, was selected for the "New York Shorts Film Festival'', “Blow-Up Arthouse Film Fest · Chicago'', “NewFilmmakers NY” and “NY Lift-Off Film Festival”.

In 2022, Zaha embarked on a graduate program in Cinema Arts at Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, part of Brooklyn College.

Currently, Zaha is engrossed in developing her thesis project, which narrates the journey of a young woman, immigrant, striving for independence from her domineering mother.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Fatima" is my second-year film at Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. This project has been my most challenging to date. I struggled with the story, aiming to depict the pitfalls of the immigration process without resorting to stereotypical sob stories of immigrants as victims. I wanted to create nuanced characters, where there are no bad guys in the story (unless it's the system itself), and people are simply trying to navigate their lives to the best of their abilities.

My character, Fatima, is a "perfect mess"—someone who doesn't always make the best decisions but is still trying her hardest. As Lana Del Rey sings, "I fucked up, I know that, but Jesus, can't a girl just do the best she can?"

Another challenge was writing dialogues that felt naturally cringe, as it always happens when we fight with our loved ones. I wanted a perfect balance of raw vulnerability from Rafael and the merciless directness of Fatima. I tried to avoid falling into sentimentalism or melodramatics. It was also important to me to add subtle humor that is apparent in our everyday struggles.

Despite these challenges, creating "Fatima" was a deeply rewarding experience. I hope it resonates with audiences and sparks meaningful conversations about the complexities of the immigration experience in U.S.