In a recent online poll by Connected to India, most respondents around the world said they were "Watching movies and shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime etc." as they stayed home during the global lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
With production houses having suspended work and cinema halls shut down, the demand for content on digital platforms has touched an all-time high.
There has also been a slew of home-grown productions, in the literal sense – shot at home short films with post-production done at home as well, by both professional and amateur filmmakers across all ages and genres have become the new trend.
It is for this group that Dubai-based actress, filmmaker, producer, and influencer, Zenofar Fathima has created an online international filmmaking competition entitled, ‘This is How We Do’.
“It gives me immense pleasure to host something of this nature on a global scale. Looking at the response that we’ve garnered already, we have decided to host this competition on an on-going basis and there will be a winner announced every week," said Fathima.
"The best part is, age is no bar. Right from a 15-year-old to a 60-year-old can participate, hone their skills, portray their talent, and take-home lessons, tips, and rewards as a token of appreciation," she added.
The competition will award a prize money of INR 20,000 (1000 AED) to the winner.
Hosted in 2019 in Dubai for the first time, the 2020 edition of the competition has been designed and planned to fit the current pandemic situation.
Participation can be entirely from the ‘comfort and safety’ of participants' homes.
"We are looking forward to witnessing more responses for this contest and then hopefully, with or without the pandemic, we’ll be able to bring out the best in people in the near future as well,” said Fathima.
Fathima, who also owns the Zen production house, aims to help people showcase their creativity and talent in the areas of photography and filmmaking through this competition.
The initiative is inspired by her desire to guide her followers, fans, and audiences to advance their skills in the current phase of quarantine that allows plenty of time in hand, explained Fathima.
As a producer and filmmaker herself, Fathima would be offering insights into the techniques of photography and videography, the right angles and props, and the process of creating the best from minimal things available.
The contest will be judged by Fathima and panelists such as Dubai-based social media influencer, Ajmal Khan.
The idea of the competition is to not only encourage people to pursue their passion for filmmaking and photography but to also keep them engaged in doing something productive in COVID-19 times.