Nuh Omar

Nuh Omar (born June 5, 1988) is a Pakistani filmmaker who has worked globally in film and advertising.

Background

Nuh was born into the prominent Indian/ Pakistani Kureishi family as the 2nd grandson of Sattoo Kureishi (MBE), older brother of Omar Kureishi. Famous family alumni also include Imran Kureishi, Hanif Kureishi and Maki Kureishi.^[1] He was educated early at Karachi Grammar School, a class mate of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. His family frequently traveled on business with his father, a business man, until his parents separated when Nuh was 11. He has an older sister and a younger brother. His mother was a photojournalist, which became his first exposure to the media industry.^[2]

Education

Nuh decided to make films after seeing Jurassic Park when he was 5.^[3] He claims that he became aware that he was watching something that someone made, and wanted to tell similar stories. A camera became his constant companion, and photography became his hobby.^[2] He went to the New York Film Academy in 2006, where he participated and played a part in the creation of their first ever 2nd Year Film Program. He then went to Full Sail University where he received his Bachelor's Degree in The Science of Film, and was named Valedictorian.^[1]

Works

Shortly after graduation, Nuh would end up interning for Scott Gardenhour at The institute, an experience he felt was extraordinary.^[4] He worked freelance as an Assistant Director for a number of years, having worked on a few award winning shorts, as well as working as a documentarian, shooting behind the scenes footage for small projects. He specialized in direction while at Full Sail University, and continued to do so after graduation.

Upon his return to Pakistan, Nuh immediately took up the task of directing a series of short films for Engro Corporation Excellence Awards,^[4] particularly a film on late renowned sculptor Shahid Sajjad, a difficult task, as at the time he did not speak or understand any Urdu.^[1] The films were produced by director Ayesha Jalil and Y Productions. He then did freelance work writing and directing for smaller, internet based projects, as well as ghost writing some director's pitches for commercials, until he attached himself to DeVida Lifestyle Channel, an entertainment channel, as a promo director. He left the channel after six months, dissatisfied with their work environment.

The Fortress of Dorkness lead team

Nuh then found a place at advertising agency IAL Saatchi & Saatchi,^[1] where he worked as a creative manager and copywriter under COO Imtisal Abbasi & ECD Rashna Abdi on Procter & Gamble brands. He worked on a number of global projects and brands, include Head & Shoulders, Safeguard (soap), Pampers and Commander Safeguard.^[5] He parted with the company in early 2014 to return to his passion of directing.

As of November 2015, he is directing and writing episodes for 'The Fortress of Dorkness', a YouTube resource channel for nerdy movies & comics created by producer Christian Villarreal.^[6] He directs the episodes from Pakistan over video chat. As of Mid-2016, The Fort has produced 50+ episodes.

He is currently developing his first feature film, a family film about imaginary friends,^[1][4] as well as a 12-issue fantasy-mystery comic book mini series titled 'I'm Here' he created and is writer on^[1][5]

A short film, titled 'The Porter & The Stone', a contemporary homage to the Oscar Wilde tale 'The Happy Prince', he has written and is directing is currently in pre-production,^[5] set to shoot in Los Angeles.

References

External links

• Nuh Omar at the Internet Movie Database
• Official Site
• I'm Here Tumblr
• The Porter & the Stone at the Internet Movie Database