Known for Directing
Saim Sadiq is a Pakistani filmmaker. He currently finishing his MFA at Columbia University, School of Arts. With a background in anthropology, Saim's earlier documentary work was showcased by various national networks on television, went viral on social media in Pakistan, and was featured by BBC's Free Speech Stories. His first short film Pasban ('17) screened at numerous festivals around the globe. His latest short Nice Talking to You ('18) was awarded Vimeo's Best Director along with five other awards at the 2018 Columbia University thesis film showcase. He is the recipient of the Kodak Student Scholarship Gold Award 2018, selected as the top winner from students across the world. He is currently in development of his first feature, Gulaab, which was accepted at the Open Doors Hub at the Locarno Film Festival 2018.
Birthplace
Lahore, Pakistan
Filmography
29 films


Joyland
2022 · 2h 7m
country: Pakistan
As a patriarchal family yearns for the birth of a son to continue their family line, their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for its transgender starlet.


Darling
2019 · 16m
country: United States
Naive Shani helps his transgender friend and crush audition for the lead in an erotic dance show.


Nice Talking to You
2019 · 20m
country: United States
Two strangers – both hearing persons – form an instant connection at an American Sign Language event, talking exclusively in ASL. They spend the night together, strolling through NYC, enjoying a newfound attraction without a spoken word uttered between them.
Nowhere
Nowhere
2018 · 16m
country: Unknown
Pakhi, a conservative Paksitani woman, discovers her husband's secret and follows him every night to a gay bar. A Columbia University Short Film.


The Caretaker
2017 · 16m
country: Unknown
Zoya is a young Pakistani cricket player and the lucky recipient of a life-changing scholarship. The only thing standing in her way? Finding someone to take her place as her ailing grandmother’s current caretaker.
Blackbird
Blackbird
2016 · 7m
country: Unknown
A short film by Saim Sadiq featuring Swati LaPerre as Aan.


The Letters of Mikael Muhammad
2015 · 20m
country: Unknown
Mikael has been sending letters to Zoya. Zoya has been sending him books. Today is the first time they meet.
Stepmotherland
Stepmotherland
2014 · 20m
country: Unknown
In 2012, Joseph Colony - a Christian settlement in the heart of Lahore - was burnt to the ground by a mob of religious fundamentalists on the basis of blasphemy charges. In 2014, two students ventured back in to find out if there is any space left for religious minorities in their motherland, Pakistan.