Fedha Nazar, has always dreamt of becoming a successful film director. “I’ve always wanted to create films, it’s always been in my DNA. I always wanted to create films from my own perspective, and how I see the world, so that it sticks with someone and has them thinking ‘I’ve never seen that before’ or opens their eyes to something new, even if it’s just one person, I honestly don’t mind as long as I make someone feel the way that I do when I watch a film that always makes me go back to it in my mind,” she explains.

Films are a harmonious blend of storytelling, visual artistry, and technical craftsmanship. The complexity lies in the meticulous coordination of countless elements: scriptwriting, direction, cinematography, acting, sound design, and editing. Each component must seamlessly integrate to evoke emotions and convey narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Fedha understands that and implements that in her work.

“It always starts with watching a film. I grasp onto very specific things in a film — like maybe how the protagonist walks, the lighting, or even the framing of the shot, and it’ll stick with me. Then I’ll start writing a script surrounding that one aspect that never left my brain since I last saw it. Then I’ll look for references from older films, newer films, even short films by successful directors when they were film students, that match what I have in my mind. After that, I start casting and creating a crew. Scout the location, come up with a shot list, have meetings and rehearsals with my cast and crew, then finally, send out the call sheet and get ready for the big day,” she tells us.

As a filmmaker she is inspired by sadness to create art. For her, it’s a theme in life that makes her see the world the way that she does and make films that way. While not all of her work revolves around the emotion, it’s always there, sometimes as a hidden hint even if it is not so obvious. However, as a creator, she loves working on all kinds of projects especially when she feels that she can elevate it in her own style. She loves being as creative as she can, and dislikes being limited.

“Seeing everything, I envisioned, come to life. my god. I can’t even explain how it feels. It’s almost addicting! After I’m done shooting something, I run back home and think of something new, or something better, just to see it come alive later on,” Fedha tells us.

She also loves working with different people and feels like she has learned a lot by collaborating with others. “Who doesn’t like working with talented people? Everyone wants a talented cast and crew. But with time I learned to realize, that the crew and cast you end up picking, really need to know your art and how you are for everything to work out smoothly. It’s so important to make sure that the entire team knows my vision, but also for everyone to work well together. I want to be on set and feel like we’re all on the same page, or rather, the same team. I don’t like drama and I don’t like people who slack off, so I’ve grown very fond of specific people that I’ve held onto,” she explains.

There’s no clear path for indie filmmakers. There will always be a struggle, imposter syndrome, cringey art or reaching for things that are not promised. “You’ll just feel like you’re crazy for wanting this. It’s really hard. Oh, and it doesn’t pay well — especially in the beginning. I remember when I first said I wanted to be a director, I got mocked for it and was made to feel like I was full of myself. I’ve learned to mute all of that out because this is what I love — I love what I love, and I’ll do what I love, forever. Even if I fail, it’s okay. Even if there’s no place for my art or my films in this world, that’s okay. I’m doing this because I love it,” she tells us.

Fedha just finished working on a short film and hopes to premiere it soon, as well us submitting to film festivals. Like any other filmmaker, she dreams of winning an Academy Award. “What filmmaker doesn’t want an Oscar? Or any award that validates them and their art? To finally be seen and feel like you have a place in this world where people understand your odd perspective? I need that. Also… this is going to sound a bit funny, but I’ve always wanted to be studied at university. Imagine having a course about your films? That would be so cool. I want to have a few film students be crazy about me after learning about me in school. I think that might even validate me and my art way more than awards,” Fedha says.

We loved learning more about her process and filmmaking dreams, and can’t wait to see her grow and create even more beautiful art.

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE

How would your mother describe you in one word?
I think she’d describe me as a dreamer. My head’s always in the clouds.
 
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Brave, or resilient.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
If I’m really Kuwaiti. It’s like it’s hard to believe for some reason. But yes, I am

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
The fact that I’ve travelled and studied abroad at the age of 16, fully alone. I don’t know how I had the courage to do it, but I’m grateful that i did

What is your theme song?
Always and forever “Seigfried by Frank Ocean”

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Melancholia. It sounds so pretty, and sweet when in reality it just means sadness.

Where would you like to live?
I’ve been abroad for a huge chunk of my life and i feel like i liked the essence of Malibu but I realized it doesn’t really matter where I live. If I’m happy and content, that feeling will follow me anywhere I go

What is your dream retirement location?
Malibu is the best place to sit back, and relax.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?  
It’s not really a famous quote, but anyone who knows me, knows that I love Sofia Coppola. And I heard her once say, “I try to just make what I want to make or what I would want to see. I try not to think about the audience too much” and that stuck with me ever since

Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
A dog, of course! loyal, cheerful, and forever by your side.

Do you miss anything from your childhood, and if so, what is it?
Just being carefree, and I feel like the concept of time was so blurry — I miss that. I’m too aware now of everyone and everything around me. I wish I could switch off somehow for a bit, like we easily could as kids.

If you could change your name, to what would you change it?
I would never! I love my name so much. It’s super traditional, and I was named after my sweet nana — which makes it even more special.

How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Friendly, perhaps?

What is the toughest part of your character?
I’m actually really bossy and I love it. It doesn’t always come out but when it’s all business, my soft side almost never comes out, and it tends to shock people since I’m a soft-spoken person.

Who is your favorite historical figure?
Frida Kahlo, she did a lot for the art culture and her community as well.

What in the world do you least desire?
To be so judged and misunderstood.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
Growth. I think we should all be held accountable for what we do, and if we ever do anything bad, then we should put in the work to constantly be better. It’s disheartening to see people who always think they’re right and never want to change. We should all do better.

Why do you think most people, who do, like you?
I’m not sure. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. But for the people who do like me, perhaps like me for being gentle and sweet. I’m not the kind of person who will always have the spotlight on me, I much rather prefer listening to people who feel like they’re being ignored.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…”everything.

Follow Fedha on Instagram @fedhathepisces and follow her journey.