1. Can you tell us about your book "Way of the Heart" and what inspired you to write it?
Answer:
"Way of the Heart" is a deeply personal story that reflects
the struggles and resilience of people facing tremendous challenges in their
lives. The inspiration came from observing the harsh realities many people face
today—particularly those who are forced to leave their homes in search of a
better life. Asta's character, for example, is inspired by the countless strong
women who sacrifice everything for their families. Firaz’s journey reflects the
struggles of those who flee persecution. The story is about love, survival, and
the unyielding human spirit. It’s about finding hope even in the darkest times.
2. The story features characters from
very different backgrounds. What message do you hope to convey through their
journey?
Answer:
The main message of "Way of the Heart" is that love and
humanity transcend cultural, religious, and geographical boundaries. Asta and
Firaz come from very different worlds, but their experiences of loss, longing,
and hope bring them together. Through their journey, I wanted to show that no
matter how different our backgrounds might be, we all share common human
experiences. I hope readers and viewers alike will see the power of love and
resilience in the face of adversity.
3. What has been the most challenging
part of turning your book into a screenplay?
Answer:
Adapting a book into a screenplay is a challenging process because you
have to distill the essence of the story into a visual and dialog-driven
format. It requires deciding which parts of the narrative are most crucial to
the story's emotional core and how to express those elements through dialogue,
action, and cinematography. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that the
depth of Asta’s and Firaz’s experiences and emotions translated effectively to
the screen while keeping the story engaging and visually compelling.
4. What do you hope a film adaptation of
"Way of the Heart" will achieve?
Answer:
I hope the film adaptation of "Way of the Heart" will resonate
with a broad audience and bring greater awareness to the struggles faced by
refugees and immigrants. More than that, I want it to be a story that inspires
hope and empathy. I believe that film has the power to move people in a unique
way, and I hope that through Asta and Firaz’s story, viewers will be reminded
of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of love.
Ultimately, my dream is for the film to spark conversations about compassion,
understanding, and the need for solidarity in our increasingly divided world.
5. How has your experience been sharing the screenplay at film festivals?
