began exploring the world of filmmaking with his father's video camera at the age of thirteen. In 2004, he realized his childhood dream by co-founding Aisha Media to tell intriguing and captivating stories through moving pictures. His earlier work focused more on content and subject matter than on a particular visual style. Influenced by filmmakers Rainer Ferner Fasbinder, Pedro Almodovar and Deepa Mehta, Amir focused on social issues that intrigued him and which ranged from gender identity to domestic violence to discrimination.
After watching Orson Welles classic Citizen Kane, Amir was inspired to play with images using camera angles, lighting techniques and non-linear storytelling. Having no formal training as a filmmaker, Amir's inspiration came largely from observation of independent films and art exhibits at Museums and Art Galleries in San Francisco. Amir's artistic vision continues to evolve, as he incorporates the aesthetics of the mainstream and merges it with elements of New Wave Cinema.
In addition to making movies and documentaries, Amir produces music videos, infomercials and commercials. He has worked on music videos that broadcasted on LOGO/MTV. Aside from his personal projects, Amir collaborated with a wide range of filmmakers and artists in recent years, including Award winning Directors and Producers. Some of his work has screened at film festivals and broadcasted on Television in the United States.
With a Bachelors Degree in International Relations and a passion for filmmaking, Amir believes in making movies and telling stories that are meaningful and that make people think. He doesn't shy away from subjects considered controversial, including politics, religion and sexuality.
Amir was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan and has been residing in the Bay-area since 1998.
AMIR JAFFER
