Born in Mumbai, Ayesha Zaki is the CEO and owner of Tinsel Town Films in UAE. Along with filmmaking she is also a successful Producer and Director and her work are globally appreciated. She is known as the OTT Queen of Dubai.
Her short films on global burning issues have garnered much praise and prestigious awards.
In an exclusive interview she talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
Tell us a bit about your childhood days?
Born in Mumbai – the main center of Indian Film Industry for a period of century, my favorite hobby was watching Bollywood movies. Since childhood it was my dream to become a Film maker and Movie Director.
How was academic life like ?
In my teens, I used to join the friends on the sets of film shoots just to watch them performing. My interest started building more on the production part since then. Following my passion I joined them as an intern and learned filming techniques and processing. Later moved to Dubai along with family.
How did filmmaking happen?
It was just a coincidence or you can say it was written in my destiny that after a long gap in this field after leaving Mumbai, it just happened that in 2015, I got an opportunity to participate as a part time volunteer at Dubai International Film Festival. There I met many other talented students sharing the same interests and passion for the film world. I joined them as a part of production team and got to learn the new techniques on cinematography, pre production and post production process.
Later, in 2020, when I was confident enough in my ability and skills I started my own film production company named Tinsel Town Films in UAE.
You are renowned name when it comes to OTT Platforms, a bit on that ?
Being a Social Filmmaker, Producer and Director I became a role model for many. I always felt that I should utilize my story telling talent and skills by producing social awareness movies that would contribute for the wellness of the community.
My social awareness movies are streaming on Dish TV, Cable and Satellite in Mumbai and also on many OTT platforms worldwide. I was honored as ‘OTT Queen’ at Emirates Film Festival 2022. I also own the historical benchmark of The First Indian Woman Filmmaker in UAE to reach this heights making all Indians proud.
Your movies journey?
1. Movie: Never Judge A Book By Its Cover
Release Year: 2021
Contribution: Producer, Director and Actress
OTT Streaming on: Tata Play, Tata Play Binge, Jio, Jio TV.
Dish TV Cable and Satellite: NXT, DEN, Hathway, In Digital.
2. Movie: Ek Chotisi Love Story
Release Year: 2021
Contribution: Producer and Director
OTT Streaming on: Tata Play, Tata Play Binge, Jio, Jio TV.
Dish TV Cable and Satellite: NXT, DEN, Hathway, InDigital.
3. Movie: Ten Thousand (Arabic Language)
Release Year: 2021
Contribution: Producer
Available to watch on: Tinsel Town Films YouTube channel.
4. Movie: I Love You Mom
Release Year: 2021
Contribution: Producer and Director
Available to watch on: Tinsel Town Films YouTube channel.
5. Movie: Meri Mom Ke Woh Din
Release Year: 2021
Contribution: Producer and Director
OTT Streaming on: Hungama, MXPlayer, Google Play Epicon and VIMovies&TV, Tata Play, Tata Play Binge, Jio, Jio TV.
Dish TV Cable and Satellite: NXT, DEN, Hathway, InDigital.
6. Movie: Can You Swim Now
Release Year: 2022
Contribution: Art Director
Available to watch on: Tinsel Town Films YouTube channel.
7. Music Video: Should Tell Me
Release Year: 2022
Contribution: Director
Available to watch on: Unreleased.
8. Music Video: Bahut Din Ho Gaye
Release Year: 2022
Contribution: Producer
Available to watch on: Prime Video Amazon and YouTube.
9. Movie: Papa Businessman
Release Year: 2023
Contribution: Producer and Director
OTT Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar, Tata Play, Tata Play Binge, Jio, Jio TV.
Dish TV Cable and Satellite: NXT, DEN, Hathway, InDigital.
10. Movie: The World Is In Our Hands
Release Year: 2024
Contribution: Producer and Director
OTT Streaming on: Hungama, Airtel Xstream, Watcho, Green Chilli TV: Tata Play, Tata Play Binge, Jio, Jio TV.
Coming soon on more OTT platforms such as Prime Video Amazon, Vodafone and Dish TV, Cable and Satellite.
Tell us about recently made impactful movie The World is in our hands on importance of conservation of water?
The World Is In Our Hands is not just a movie it’s a social awareness campaign. I’ve submitted this movie to many NGOs from different parts of the world where people are facing scarcity of water. The sustainability awareness campaign is been successfully implemented in schools and malls by carrying out free movie screening open for everyone so that my sustainable awareness message on global warming and importance of water conservation reaches to the maximum people. Movie is also streaming on many OTT platforms so the awareness campaign reaches to the larger number of viewers worldwide.
Ayesha Zaki’s statement?
Due to negligence of some people our natural resources are not reaching to the needy ones. Many parts of the world are facing water crisis due to global warming, climate change and environmental degradation. Research says 8 gallons of normal tap water is wasted in one minute by a single person. Being a responsible human it is our responsibility to save the world by preserving our natural resources. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Make a difference.
Your role models?
None
What are your future goals ?
I will continue doing more social awareness movies and keep releasing them on OTT platforms. Because I think in this digital era OTT platforms are becoming much easy accessible and fastest way to reach the masses. Through storytelling and filmmaking I strive to reach my social awareness goals to the mankind.
How has UAE helped your growth?
I really like to make films in UAE as this allows me to work with people of different nationalities and diverse culture. There are lots of great facilities provided by official bodies for the Independent Filmmakers in this country.
Your message to humanity?
I certainly do not want die without having done something wonderful for humanity. There’s a famous saying; great acts are made up of small deeds and I think unconditional love for all human beings is the foundation of humanity.
