Xposure 2025 Filmmakers Panel Highlights Collaboration for Film Success

Photo: Sharjah Government Media Bureau

At the International Photography Festival, Xposure, in Sharjah, a group of award-winning filmmakers shared their experiences about directing movies. They talked about the importance of working together in filmmaking—starting from choosing the screenplay, actors, and filming locations to editing the final product. This discussion took place during a panel titled "Directing with Purpose: Shaping the Vision" at the 9th edition of Xposure at Aljada, Sharjah, on Sunday.

The panel was led by Franklin Leonard, a well-known American film producer. The speakers included Emirati filmmaker Maitha Alawadi, American writer-actor Travon Free, and Indian filmmaker Neel Kumar. They discussed how they bring a screenplay to life, guide actors, and work as a team while balancing creative vision with production challenges.

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The Art of Teamwork in Filmmaking

Maitha Alawadi, an Emirati filmmaker known for her unique storytelling, described her film crew as "a family" where every person’s input matters. She explained that even young actors on set could offer fresh ideas, and sometimes, those ideas could bring unexpected magic to the film. She also shared her love for animation and fantasy and said that one of the most exciting parts of filmmaking for her is finding the perfect actors to bring her stories to life.

"The actors I choose help bring my vision into reality," Maitha said. She believes in making Emirati culture more relatable to audiences around the world and focuses on every small detail to create strong visuals. She added that her vision often changes once she sees the actual filming location, and even AI tools help her imagine how characters will evolve in her stories.

Finding the Right Visuals

Travon Free, an award-winning writer, actor, and comedian, spoke about how his love for visuals helped him transition into film direction. He shared that watching a wide variety of movies allows him to understand how different directors create their unique styles.

"The more movies I watch, the better I understand how to set the scene," Free said. He believes that a great director knows where the camera should go—and where it shouldn’t. He also follows a very open approach in filmmaking, allowing even interns on set to voice their opinions.

The Role of Psychology in Directing

Neel Kumar, a Dubai-based filmmaker and storyteller, emphasized that removing ego from decision-making is key to good filmmaking. He believes that when a director has a strong idea, everything naturally falls into place.

"Every great director understands psychology," Neel explained. He said that when actors connect deeply with their characters, they shape them naturally, similar to how Michelangelo sculpted David—chipping away the unnecessary parts until the final masterpiece appeared.

The Power of Collaboration

Throughout the discussion, the filmmakers agreed that partnership and teamwork are at the heart of making a successful film. From the script to the final edit, every decision is a result of collaboration. The session gave aspiring filmmakers a deeper understanding of how working together can shape a director’s vision into reality.

Xposure 2025 continues to provide a platform for creative minds to share their experiences and inspire the next generation of storytellers.