Filmmaker Statement

The film was created in order to touch on specific themes of cultural beliefs that promoted violence under the veil of religion. Over the course of the short film, the protagonist is faced with his guilt over killing another man. His loss of sanity pushes him to challenge his beliefs and bridge a new perspective. The backdrop of the film takes place in the vast Maliha deserts of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The reason why I thought this film was interesting to create was due to its message of cultural ideals, especially historically as grave sins such as murder weren't just justified but promoted under the premise of war. I wanted the film to challenge how a brain washed crusader would have to find and understand his meaning and place within the world after he himself losses faith. Metaphorically the film expresses that one needs to let go of their past, really strip down their preconceived notions and understandings of faith to really pursue it.