Private Project

Ismail

After failing to pass for the second time in high school, Ismail is disheartened. With limited support from family and against all odds, he decides to try a different pathway to education. In a city that offers few pathways to success, he is determined to change his family's fate. A stroke of luck happens when he finally achieves a high-paying job without a degree. With real-life interviews and role-playing by local actors, the film explores Ismail’s journey to understand what drives anyone to become extraordinary.

  • Ayesha Farooq
    Director
    SHE; Who Lives
  • Ayesha Farooq
    Writer
  • Muhammad Asimuddin
    Producer
  • Muhammad Anas uddin
    Key Cast
    "Ismail"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 5, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Pakistan
  • Country of Filming:
    Pakistan
  • Language:
    Urdu
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Muslim Film Festival
    Perth
    Australia
    October 5, 2025
    Australian Premier
    Official Selection
  • Women International Film Festival
    Islambad
    Pakistan
    February 15, 2026
    Official selection
  • South Asian International Film Festival
    Tampa
    United States
    February 22, 2026
    North American Premier
    Best Director Critics
  • Bangladesh Youth Film Festival
    Dhaka
    Bangladesh
    November 20, 2025
    Official selection
Director Biography - Ayesha Farooq

Ayesha Farooq is a filmmaker and photographer based in Australia with roots in Pakistan. She holds a Master of Screen (Documentary) from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and is the founder of The Asix Films. Her award-winning short SHE; Who Lives received Best Documentary at the Australian Women’s Film Festival and Critics’ Choice at the Melbourne Women Film Festival.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In life, I believe that when we taste the flavor of death, whether of our loved ones or some versions of ourselves, we can live fully every day and appreciate small happenings more often. ‘Ismail’ is the story of a young boy just out of his teens meeting an unfortunate road accident where he loses his life. His short yet inspiring life had a profound ripple effect on his surroundings. Once only a hobbyist gamer from an underprivileged background with no appropriate degree, he turned the tables for himself by learning how to code independently. The film explores the question of what makes someone choose to become extraordinary. As significant as the question is, I intend to bring the audience to relive their youth and live every day, hopefully.