Faheem Abdullah is a Srinagar based self-taught young filmmaker and singer-songwriter who has worked in some of the super hit videos over the years and is known for his work.
The 26-year-old artist shifted his focus from his studies to filmmaking in 2019 and started practical work. He learned filmmaking by himself. He explores genres and makes experimental music.
Faheem started his singing career in 2020 with ‘Hum Dekhenge’ which was a multiple-artist collaboration put together by Rauhan Malik.
Jhelum, a music video, was his debut single that came out in late 2020 and became popular in the valley for its relatability and the semi-classical approach. It was featured in a BBC World documentary “Hear My Voice”.
Faheem’s second single, Judayi produced by Hyder Dar became the most listened Soul track in the valley. Released in 2021, it was featured in BBC Asian Network for a week, in a primetime show presented by Noreen Khan.
In July this year, rapper Ahmer Javid released his much-anticipated album AZLI with one of the songs called Rov which featured Faheem.
His latest single Aankhein comes from his stream of consciousness. Produced by RAMOOZ Band’s Zeeshan Nabi, the song is a pure specimen of impressionism.
Currently, he is working on a cultural documentary on Kashmir. He has also worked in some of the popular video advertisements for some local brands including Saifco Cements in which he assisted the renowned ad film director, Irfan Bukhari, a Kashmiri based in Delhi.
He also assisted Indian film director, screenwriter and cinematographer, Kabir Khan, in an advert for Wonder Cement which was filmed in Pahalgam. Faheem worked as an assistant director in the project which is his major highlight.
Faheem is currently working on multiple projects with various artists which include Arslan Nizami, Zeeshan Nabi, Tabish Wani, Huzaif Nazar, Yawar Abdal, Ubaid Taj, Ahmer, Hyder Dar and Ravomie Music.
In 2019, Faheem met Khawar Jamsheed, a noted line producer, who suggested him to go for film direction besides writing. A short film produced “A Day in a Cafe” became his stepping stone. It was produced by Khawar Jamsheed himself and was later shelved for unavoidable circumstances.
“In Kashmir, we have very few producers and financiers who can believe in our projects or can do the finance part. Also, we do not have a film school here due to lack of which we haven’t produced filmmakers that could have attracted the producers as well,” he said.
Faheem also said that there is lack of proper equipment in Kashmir and filmmakers do not get permission on time.
“For local filmmakers, it should be easier. The local filmmakers should have filmmaking cards with proper verification so that they can get access to places. Due to these issues our film industry has not grown as expected,” he said.
