Introduction:
My film, In the Clouds, is a short drama told through the eyes of Sara, a 6-year-old refugee, as she explores her new London estate.
Inspiration:
I had been reading extensively about child refugees — those who have fled wars, oppressive regimes, and persecution. It made me wonder what it must feel like to be a child arriving in the UK, trying to settle into a completely new school, culture, and way of life.
At the heart of the film, I wanted to explore the idea of oneness — the shared human experience that connects us all. Feeling like a stranger in a new environment, grieving the loss of a loved one, finding courage or searching for a sense of belonging are universal emotions, regardless of background. This story became a way for me to reflect on those themes through the eyes of a child navigating the unknown.
The Process:
As a first-time director, almost everyone advised me against making this film — “Don’t work with children or animals,” as the saying goes. In this case, it was nine children… and one dead animal.
Thankfully, I was fully supported by our incredibly reassuring producer, Daniel Panyko, and the film’s brilliant and experienced cinematographer, Jon Muschamp. I was also very lucky to work with some exceptional actors whose energy and talent brought the story to life.
One of the biggest challenges was language. I grew up with an Iranian mother and wrongly assumed I could write a Farsi-language script with ease. But in rehearsals, it quickly became clear how much Farsi has evolved since the late 1970s. Jokes that worked in English — especially with a British sense of humour — simply didn’t translate. Making this film made me confront how out of touch I’ve become with my Iranian heritage… and just how very British I am.
We shot in the Loughborough Estate in Brixton, which became a character in its own right. Its diverse, tight-knit community — made up of both Brits and immigrants — perfectly reflected the world of the film. Between myself and Daniel, we assembled the friendliest and most hardworking team I could have hoped for.
What It Means to Be a Finalist:
It means a great deal to be selected for Worcester Film Festival — let alone to be named a finalist. The festival is known for championing emerging talent and is highly respected within the industry.
It’s incredibly rewarding to know that there’s appreciation for our film and that the hard work and talent of everyone involved haven’t gone unnoticed.
We’re especially proud of Nika Roufi’s nomination for Best Performance. She’s a truly gifted actress, a joy to work with, and I’m so pleased her talent is being recognised — particularly at such a young age.
Where to Watch / Follow:
Please follow our film page on Instagram, which will keep you updated with future screenings and news. @Intheclouds.film, or to follow my own journey @alexbahiyyihwain, and our producers journey @iampanyko.
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