Frames of Beauty

Faraz Arif Ansari, in a heart-warming chat with Sumona Bose, reveals how beauty influences are intertwined with their filmmaking process

- Sumona Bose

A close look at Faraz Arif Ansari's work reveals that they always place a great emphasis on visual storytelling. The filmmaker and director of the critically-acclaimed 2021 release Sheer Qorma says, "I have detailed notes about costumes, hair, make-up, and sometimes even the lipstick and the nail paint shade." As a non-binary filmmaker (their preferred pronouns are they/them) who loves to tell stories of the LGBTQIA+ community, the influence of beauty is an integral part of their filmmaking. In a tête-à-tête, the young storyteller sheds light on how beauty influences the visuals of their art.

ELLE: WHAT DOES BEAUTY MEAN TO YOU?

FARAZ ARIF ANSARI (FAA): I feel beauty, like love and happiness, isn't external; it is deeply internal. It is about the radiance one finds when at peace with their identity. My sexuality and gender identity are a part of the celebration of who I am. I feel that to be visible by being authentic is a thing of beauty and courage. As queer folks, we have been denied existence, presence and visibility for generations. Hence, every day for me is an opportunity to reclaim spaces where generations of queer folks have struggled.

ELLE: HOW DO YOU USE BEAUTY AS A TOOL TO TELL YOUR STORIES?

FAA: I am a visual writer, and as a director, I make sure every visual speaks more than any dialogue ever could. Given the intersections of sexuality, faith, gender identities, nationalities, and languages in Sheer Qorma, I wanted the visuals to always have an inherent sense of beauty. From the right colour of red for the Rooh Afza sharbat at the Eid spread to the crystal cutlery, the namaaz rugs to the lace on the namaaz dupattas, the right colour of blush and gloss, to the designs of henna on the hands, every detail was researched and executed to perfection.