Director Fawzia Mizra has captured the hearts of audiences with her heartfelt queer rom-com turned full-length Pakistani feature film titled The Queen of My Dreams. The film tells the story of Azra, a young, queer Canadian-Pakistani woman who returns to her family’s ancestral home in Pakistan after the death of her father. The film beautifully juxtaposes Azra’s coming-of-age journey with that of her mother, Mariam. Playing both Azra and a young Mariam is Amrit Kaur, known for her role in Sex Lives of College Girls.
Mizra’s film recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, fulfilling a dream she had when she first decided to direct the movie during the TIFF Writers’ Studio. The premiere was a magical moment for Mizra, as she had the opportunity to share the film with a public audience and the team from Pakistan and Nova Scotia who had worked on the project.
The Queen of My Dreams originated from Mizra’s exploration of her identity as a queer Muslim who also loves Bollywood romance. The short film version of the story was a healing process for Mizra and inspired her to create more. The full-length feature film is a culmination of all the work she has done on herself, filled with love and representing her personal journey of self-discovery.
The film also delves into the similarities between Mizra and her mother, despite their outward differences. Mizra imagines that she and her mother must have had similar experiences while growing up, creating a fantasy world where their coming-of-age stories intertwine. The character of Mariam in the 1960s is inspired by collective memory and the history of Pakistan during that era.
During the editing process, Mizra realized that the film needed a stronger connection to the past, leading her to incorporate archival footage as transitional elements. One of Mizra’s touchstones was actress Sharmila Tagore, who belonged to the same era as Mariam. Mizra grew up watching Bollywood cinema and Hindi-language films with her parents, which became an important part of her connection to her country and culture.
As a Pisces, Mizra has a deep love for romance and wears her heart on her sleeve. She believes that it is crucial to center narratives of hope, joy, and potential when telling stories about queer, Muslim people of color. Mizra aims to subvert the historically bleak narratives surrounding these communities and instead spotlight their vibrant colors and possibilities.
The Queen of My Dreams is not just a fantasy but a representation of the potential for a brighter future. Mizra’s film is a testament to her mission as an artist to celebrate the hope, joy, and potential of marginalized communities.
With its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and its powerful storytelling, The Queen of My Dreams has captivated audiences and has set a new standard for representation in Pakistani cinema.
