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Portrait of Life

Portrait of Life tells the story of Ayan, a painter who can no longer paint his wife the way he once did. As he struggles to finish her portrait, their distance quietly grows. Through old memories and unfinished art, he begins to see what his paintings were truly about.

  • Syed Asad Raza Abidi
    Director
  • Syed Asad Raza Abidi
    Writer
  • Dayyan Khalid
    Producer
  • Zuhair Zubair
    Key Cast
    "Ayan"
  • Umeza Irfan
    Key Cast
    "Zara"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Romance, Drama, Art, Art Film
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 34 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 2, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Pakistan
  • Country of Filming:
    Pakistan
  • Language:
    Urdu
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital Cinema Camera - Sony FX3
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.33:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Indus University
Director Biography - Syed Asad Raza Abidi

Syed Asad Raza Abidi is a Pakistani filmmaker, director, and editor, best known for his award-winning short film Janjaal (Tussle). Founder of Cinegma Films, Asad is recognized for his grounded storytelling and visual depth. A graduate of Indus University in Film & TV, he has directed, edited, and produced multiple independent projects, including Portrait of Life, noted for its introspective tone and visual poetry. Asad represents the new wave of independent Pakistani cinema.

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Director Statement

Portrait of Life is personal. It’s about that quiet space between two people where love exists, but expression fades. I wanted to capture the weight of unsaid words, the stillness in rooms, and how art sometimes becomes both escape and confession. This film isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about what’s missing, and how that silence can still speak volumes.