The Filmmakers
Shaheed Devji
Writer/Director/Co-Producer
A storyteller at heart, Shaheed has spent the majority of his professional career lending a helping hand to tell important stories as a journalist, podcast host, and content creator for businesses and brands.
Born and raised in British Columbia, Canada Speak is his first foray into the narrative realm.
As a Muslim-Canadian, he was inspired to tell a story that is near and dear to his heart, and relevant to many Muslims today, with the hope of shedding light a specific perspective playing out both in fiction and fact.
Evan Friesen
Co-Producer
Evan is an award-winning director whose work has screening at film festivals around the world.
His most recent short film “Once More, From The Top” was nominated for a Leo Award and won the Golden Sheaf Award for Best Student Production at the 2019 Yorkton Film Film Festival.
He is excited to be actively pursuing his passion for film as he continues his studies at Capilano University’s School of Motion Picture Arts.
Ziyana Vasaya
Actor (“Natasha”), Associate Producer
A recent graduate of Capilano University’s Acting program, Ziyana has jumped head first into Vancouver’s supporting acting community, keeping herself busy with theater, film and other creative endeavors.
She looks forward to being part of more stories that share important messages, and finding more of her own voice in the art she makes.
Imran Amlani
Associate Producer
An entertainer at his core, Imran has always had a passion for film and television.
With a decade of experience in experiential marketing, project management, training and recruiting, his ability to connect with people has proven to be one of his biggest strengths, and an asset in his role as a producer.
He has recently embarked on a journey to combine is passion, life experience, and vast network through acting, writing, producing, and comedy.
Cast
Zaynab (Mom) - Shabana Lalani
Natasha - Ziyana Vasaya
News Anchor - Michael Popove
Kevin (Friend 1) - Jeremy Truong
Alex (Friend 2) - Sonja Holgersen
Sunny (Friend 3) - Chenneth Weeraratne
Principal Williams - Tina-Marie Springham
Mr. Yu (Teacher) - Michael Chang
Fatima - Sabrina Vellani
Bradley Fox (Bully) - Yukon de Leeuw
Crew
Cinematographer/DOP - Olly Bian
1st Assistant Director - Paula Lara
1st Assistant Camera - Sina Soltani
2nd Assistant Camera - Ryan Ding
2nd Assistant Camera/DIT - Mya Kovach
Gaffer - Sopithan Rajeswaran
Key Grip - Jones Belsher
Lead Grip - Brandon Siemens
Rigging Key - Lisa Mundry
Best Girl - Erin Chen
Sound Recordist - Mairi Turner
Boom Operator - Devon Cooke
Script Supervisor - Shayan Takhayori
Set Photographer - Zameer Karim
BTS Videographer - Kevin Tran
BTS Videographer - Travis Jeffers
BTS Videographer - Zameer Karim
Makeup Artist - Daniela Tibaquira
Production Assistant - Nazifaa Vasaya
Extras Wrangler - Aliya Boulanger
First Aid - Nishat Dhillon
First Aid - Zayaan Shamji