State of the Creators

State of the Creators is a podcast that explores what it means for creatives to build something out of nothing. Digital creative Tawsif Akkas sits down with talented creatives from Bangladesh to Australia - and around the world - to talk about the process of creating, the struggles of being a creative and explore how to leave a legacy in this fast paced digital world. Through State of the Creators, Tawsif not only aims to deliver a compelling podcast series but also build a creative community to help the next generation of creators flourish. Find out more at www.tawsifakkas.com.

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State of the Creators

Nuhash on Creating Films That Transcend Boundaries | State of the Creators 035

August 04, 2023 • Tawsif Akkas

Nuhash Humayun is a writer and a director from Dhaka, Bangladesh. He made his local TV debut in 2017 - and has since written and directed a growing catalogue of short films, music videos, TV shows and advertisements.

One of his latest horror shorts, Moshari, has won a number of accolades including the South by South West Jury Award and awards from Fantasia, HollyShorts and Melbourne festivals, and is the first Bangladeshi film ever to qualify for an Oscar. It has done so well that Hollywood juggernauts like Jordan Peele and Riz Ahmed are set to Executive Produce the live-action short. In fact his other recent works, like Pett Kata Shaw and Foreigners Only on Hulu has won multiple global awards.

@nuhashhYT is currently writing a script for a major Hollywood Studio and is working on his first feature length film. Nuhash is also the son of legendary Bangladeshi novelist, screenwriter and personality Humayun Ahmed.

In this episode we talk about his creative process, how he navigates a complicated landscape and why he chooses horror of all things to make films about.

This episode was recorded in early 2023, and the artwork in the animation was done by the talented @ahmedfahim-exe

00:00 - Intro
01:45 - Why horror?
03:28 - The intersection of horror and Bangladeshi culture
06:34 - Being true to oneself
07:08 - Who is 'Nuhash Humayun'
08:33 - Nuhash's illustrious family
11:09 - Other side of fame
12:37 - Keeping up with family identity
15:57 - How family identity affects work
22:05 - Motivation behind filmmaking
22:59 - Collaboration
28:07 - Defining filmmaking
30:51 - The role of social media
34:37 - Leveraging social media
36:33 - Balancing multiple responsibilities
39:01 - Creative writing process
43:33 - Incorporating audience feedback
46:36 - Defining success
47:26 - 'Moshari' and its appeal
51:37 - Defining quality work
55:09 - Biggest gap in the industry
58:12 - Film production challenges
58:55 - Impact of fame on artistic work
01:02:15 - Overcoming unhappyness through art
01:04:08 - Nuhash's creative routine
01:05:04 - Nuhash's favourite artists
01:06:45 - Nuhash's dream collab with his father
01:09:29 - Envisioning filmmaking's future
01:11:00 - Personal goals
01:12:25 - Advice for aspiring filmmakers
01:14:33 - Outro