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Our Reality Is Happy

A story of two child domestic workers finding happiness together, given their everyday reality.

  • Aniyah Faisal
    Director
  • Aniyah Faisal
    Writer
  • Aniyah Faisal
    Producer
  • Afshan Ghulam Ali
    Key Cast
  • Sabah Rehmat
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Non Fiction
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 10, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    100 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Pakistan
  • Language:
    Urdu
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
  • Esa Film Festival 2019
    Etobicoke, Toronto
    Canada
    May 17, 2019
    Esa Film Festival 2019
Director Biography - Aniyah Faisal

Aniyah Faisal (b. 2004) is an Oakville-based, film major student at the Etobicoke School of the Arts, Canada. Currently in 9h Grade.

Aniyah made her first short documentary at the age of 14, titled ‘Our Reality is Happy’, based on an interview of two child domestic workers in Pakistan. Aniyah has directed three short films and a sound piece during her studies so far. When younger Aniyah wrote many short stories that eventually got her interested in film making and audition for the specialized high school in Toronto. Aniyah is most interested in the genre of suspense, mystery and horror. She is also talented in the fields of painting, photography and music.

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Director Statement

My Documentary is called Our Reality Is Happy. This is a story of two child workers, Afshan and Sabah, who find happiness through their friendship, given their everyday harsh reality.

There are many children, especially in under developed countries, who have to start working at a very young age to earn a living for their families. Afshan and Sabah are two such children who are domestic maids and caregivers to a wealthier family in Pakistan. Children like myself, who grew up in a privileged environment, are mostly unaware of such different realities around the world. Through my film I wanted to create awareness, as the two girls talk about their daily routine, the chores and the hard work they are expected to do. As I was living in the same house where these girls worked, I saw them everyday, that is when I realized that they do not feel sorry for themselves nor do they complain, instead are always smiling, excited, funny and hardworking. Therefore I wanted to highlight this side as well and show how one can still find happiness in the darkest of situations.

This film was shot in Lahore, Pakistan during a very short family visit.