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Melody of Dreams

Synopsis of Melody of Dreams

In the vibrant yet challenging suburbs of Melbourne, " Melody of Dreams" follows the heartfelt journey of Ali, a 19-year-old Afghan refugee from the Hazara community. Life hasn’t been easy for Ali. After losing his father, Jafar, in the chaos of the Afghan war during the U.S. military evacuation, Ali is left to support his small, loving family — his hardworking mother Nasreen and his aging grandfather Danish.

Caught between the struggles of survival and the weight of his family’s future, Ali lives in a modest home, surrounded by neighbours who become the unlikely sparks in his story. To his right is Zakaria Khan, a 28-year-old Pakistani chef whose love for cooking opens the door for Nasreen to find a job at a pizza shop, giving the family some much-needed stability. To his left is Rakesh Kumar, a 23-year-old Indian international student and guitarist. Rakesh’s passion for music inspires Ali in ways he never imagined.

Rakesh hands Ali an old guitar one day and tells him, “One day, you’ll be a great musician and singer.” For Ali, this simple act becomes a turning point. Through sleepless nights and tireless effort, Ali practices music, clinging to the dream of building a brighter future for himself and his family. But dreams don’t come easily, especially for someone juggling financial struggles, cultural expectations, and the silent grief of losing a parent.

Against all odds, Ali’s determination leads him to an extraordinary moment — stepping onto the stage for a grand concert, performing not just for the applause of strangers, but for the pride of his family and community. His journey from a struggling refugee to a celebrated musician proves that circumstances do not bind dreams.

"Melody of Dreams" is a deeply moving story about hope, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit. It reminds us that even in the hardest times, the people around us — and the dreams within us — carry us forward.

  • Ahmad Seyar Bakhshi
    Director
    Writer
  • Mohammed Reza
    Key Cast
    "Ali "
    Main Character
  • Nafisa Shafaei
    Key Cast
    "Nasreen"
    Ali's Mother)
  • Shivam Kashyap
    Key Cast
    "Rakesh Kumar"
    Neighbor - Indian Guitarist
  • Bhuvan
    Key Cast
    "Zakaria Khan"
    Neighbor - Pakistani Chef
  • Fatima Hussaini
    Key Cast
    "Supporting Cast"
    Customers at Pizza Shop
  • Mohammed Kazim Andisha
    Camera Operators
  • Adarsh Athen John
    Sound
    Sound Engineer
  • Abhinav Prasad
    Production Manager
  • Project Type:
    Feature, Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Musical, Inspirational, Family, Cultural
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes 34 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 14, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English, Hindi, Persian, Urdu
  • Shooting Format:
    Camera: Sony A7S II
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ahmad Seyar Bakhshi

Ahmad Seyar Bakhshi
Ahmad Seyar Bakhshi is a visionary filmmaker, storyteller, and founder of SBProduction Studio Company. With a passion for crafting emotionally compelling narratives, Ahmad has dedicated his career to telling stories that resonate deeply with audiences. His work often explores themes of resilience, identity, and the human spirit, reflecting his own experiences and cultural roots.

Born and raised in Afghanistan, Ahmad moved to Australia in pursuit of new opportunities and creative freedom. With a background in both filmmaking and production, he has worked tirelessly to bring underrepresented stories to the forefront of cinema. Over the past three years, Ahmad has poured his heart and soul into "Melody of Dreams," a deeply personal and inspiring story about hope, music, and the enduring power of dreams.

Ahmad's filmmaking is marked by his ability to blend authentic cultural storytelling with universal themes, creating films that are both intimate and impactful. Through "Melody of Dreams," Ahmad seeks to inspire audiences worldwide while shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of the refugee experience.

With a commitment to excellence and authenticity, Ahmad continues to push the boundaries of independent filmmaking, leaving a lasting mark on the industry.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Melody of Dreams" is more than just a film for me; it is a reflection of resilience, hope, and the unyielding spirit of humanity. This story is inspired by the struggles and dreams of countless individuals, including my journey. As someone who has witnessed the hardships of starting anew in a foreign land, I understand the power of holding onto a dream even in the darkest times.

Ali’s journey represents the untold stories of so many people who face unimaginable challenges but still dare to dream. Through his passion for music and his determination to rise above his circumstances, we see how art can become a beacon of hope and a tool for survival.

With Melody of Dreams, my goal is to create a film that resonates with audiences on a deeply emotional level — a story that is authentic and relatable, yet universal. This project is not only a celebration of music and culture but also a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness, like giving someone a chance, can change lives.

I want this film to inspire and empower people, especially those who feel like the odds are stacked against them. I hope that Melody of Dreams will give a voice to the voiceless and remind us all of the power of community, love, and persistence.

This film is my heartfelt tribute to dreamers everywhere, and I am honoured to share it with you.

- Ahmad Seyar Bakhshi
Director of Melody of Dreams