Filmmakers Making A Social Impact: Why & How Filmmaker Nazrin Choudhury Is Helping To Change Our World
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
I believe that if you work at something you love like I do, it won’t feel like work. I do work hard but only because I am blessed to be in a profession where I can change the world with my stories.
As a part of our series about “Filmmakers Making A Social Impact” I had the pleasure of interviewing Nazrin Choudhury.
After her first foray into screenwriting garnered her a Focus on Talent Award with DNA FILMS, Nazrin Choudhury left the pursuit of medicine and a brief career in politics to focus on her writing career. Awarded a scholarship by Channel4/Film 4, she graduated with an MA in Screenwriting at the Northern Film School (Leeds Metropolitan University) and went on to write for several primetime UK television shows including CASUALTY, CORONATION STREET, DOCTORS, EASTENDERS and WATERLOO ROAD. Nazrin is the recipient of the Imison award for her critically-acclaimed play, MIXED BLOOD, and an Arts Council of England award for her novel-in-progress, MY ENGLAND.
Nazrin is a dual UK-US citizen who moved to Los Angeles in 2012. She continues to work extensively across the US and UK as a writer-producer/showrunner. Her credits include JACK RYAN, FEAR THE WALKING DEAD, WAYWARD PINES, DAMNATION, DAMIEN, HOUDINI & DOYLE and BLOOD & TREASURE. In features, Nazrin most recently completed the screenplay for AMERICAN RADICAL for Universal Studios starring Rami Malek with Sam Esmail attached to direct.
Thank you so much for doing this interview with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to get to know you a bit. Can you share your “backstory” that brought you to this career?
I am the youngest child born to immigrant parents in London. I have a significant burn scar on one of my arms from when I was three years old and living above our family restaurant. I was hospitalized for a few months and received the most wonderful medical care courtesy of the NHS whereupon I romantically announced at this tender age that I wanted to become a doctor which was music to my father’s ears: Here was a child professing her desire to become part of the noblest profession of them all without having to be pushed into it…
To cut a long story short, I did complete my degree in Biomedical Science at King’s College London. However, I pursued a different path thereafter including working in politics while also juggling an acting career and earning my highly-prized Equity card. It was while I was on a theater tour of Austria that I put pen to paper on my first screenplay which won an award and opened the door to my writing career. In fact, that script still opens doors for me today. As a career in writing beckoned, I decided to leave politics because I knew I could change more hearts and minds with the stories I told but I did everything in reverse. I became a produced writer first and then I went to film school to earn my MA in Screenwriting thanks to a bursary from Channel 4/Film. Despite starting in film, I rapidly transitioned into writing for television and worked for many well-known drama series in the UK before moving to the US over a decade ago where I continue to work in film and television. It’s important to say that although I moved to the US primarily for my career and to become a showrunner, it really became a journey of the soul in which I was continuing my immigrant parents’ journey further west and opening up the world anew for my own daughters in which they could grow and flourish. We are all now US citizens who care deeply about fostering a world where others can grow and flourish too.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I am from a working-class neighborhood in London where no one would even dare to dream of having a career in Hollywood without becoming a laughing stock. As I mentioned, I did everything in reverse. I dared to dream and found myself writing my first ever screenplay which seemed to land with people working meaningfully in the industry but I did not have any of the language that goes with the craft. I did not know to call my main character the “protagonist” of my story nor did I have any idea about a three-act structure or an inciting incident. They say ignorance is bliss. In hindsight it is funny that so many people were talking to me about concepts that I had no idea about…except that I did. What I learned from this is that we don’t have to be film school graduates to tell stories. We have been telling stories since time began. We tell each other stories every day about our daily lives and we shape them in such a way as to be engaging in our attempt to share and connect with another human being. I may not have had the language of storytelling in the way that I do now but I was writing from instinct and feeling the story. So I now tell everyone I mentor or anyone who asks me for advice, especially those who can’t afford to go to film school, to not worry if they don’t have the language of their craft; that will come with time but just keep practicing the craft and it will eventually become your mother tongue. You don’t actually need to go to film school to be able to write. You just need to observe the world around you and the people that inhabit it who become the characters in your story. Don’t let the fear of not knowing how to speak inhibit your voice.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
I work in Hollywood where I frequently cross paths with well-known celebrities and filmmakers who I deeply respect and admire. I would be lying if I didn’t say it’s a thrill to be working at this level where you get to create art with fellow artists working at the top of their field. Prior to that I was fortunate enough to meet one of my all-time personal heroes, Nelson Mandela, while I was working in politics. I was an activist even as a young child and remember marching up and down Balham High Road to protest apartheid. Meeting “Madiba” was therefore one of the most memorable moments of my life. That said, I have to tell you that I have a deep interest in most people I meet. You don’t have to be an A-list star or a political leader to be a person worth knowing and some of the best conversations I have are with strangers who I may never meet again but with whom I shared a profound connection in the briefest of conversations where we shared stories about our lives. You asked me earlier about the funniest mistake I’ve made and perhaps here is where I should confess to the fact that even though I write stories for a living and therefore watch a plethora of film and television, my recall for something I watched and being able to recount that story frame by frame is terrible. However, tell me your own real life story and I will be able to recount it to you with every last minutiae and detail several years later in a way that would scare you…!
Which people in history inspire you the most? Why?
Change agents: People who speak truth to power and anyone who stands on the right side of history. Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I try to live by that ideal to the best of my ability. I do not subscribe to the idea that our history and past egregious actions can be chalked down to being common to a certain time and era and therefore excused. History should not need to teach us the lessons we should already know. I admire and am inspired by anyone who demonstrates the courage to give up their own comforts for the sake of protecting human freedom: whether that’s abolitionists working the Underground Railroad during the time of slavery at the risk of their own lives or people who gave refuge to the Jewish community during the Holocaust. I hope most people carry those lessons into today in order to help any individual or community in need irrespective of their race, religion, sexuality or any of the number of ways in which people identify differently.
Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview, how are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting social impact causes you are working on right now?
I recently wrote and directed a short film that serves as my directorial debut called RED, WHITE AND BLUE that was written in response to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade last year. It tells the story of Rachel, a young mother played by Brittany Snow, who’s forced to cross state lines in order to deal with an unexpected pregnancy. I set out to tell a very human and characterful tale of a young woman having to overcome the obstacles put in her way as she sets out to seek a necessary and urgent abortion that actually celebrates motherhood in all its complexities. I was born in the UK but I am now a US citizen who lives and works here. I am raising two daughters who will inherit and be affected by the legacy of the reversal of Roe v Wade. I wrote this story for them and also for all the millions of Americans who have been affected by this decision. This is a story about the need to protect reproductive rights and our ability to have autonomy over our own bodies. Our film highlights the real world consequences imposed on so many of us, often by those who do not have to face the dire consequences of the legislation and policies they help put into play.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and take action for this cause? What was that final trigger?
RED, WHITE AND BLUE was birthed after I was listening to the news in the aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling last year. I woke up one morning with the film fully realized in my head. I knew it would burn up my soul unless I got it down on the page. I wrote it in a matter of 2–3 hours — probably the fastest I’ve ever written a script — and it’s pretty much what you see on the screen. I will add that the “aha” moment for this project was derived from a general manifesto for my life. I always project to “future me” and ask myself the question: “What will you regret not doing when you look back at this moment in time that is now the past?” Then I answer that question and act on it, so I can live my life to the best of my ability with no regrets. I am my own time-traveler guiding myself from the future in order to be able to live with myself in the past.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
This has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences in my life precisely because there have been numerous people who come up to me at every single screening to share how deeply moved and affected they are by the film. One of the most meaningful revelations recently came from a crew member who thanked me after watching the finished film and told me that the story of RED, WHITE AND BLUE is his grandmother’s story. I was deeply touched to know that he had been able to play a part in honoring his family member by working on our film. I think so many of our cast and crew gave their heart and soul to this because we all have a lived experience that this film brings to mind. We told this story for all the unseen and unheard voices that are not able to tell this story for themselves.
Are there three things that individuals, society or the government can do to support you in this effort?
Yes.
- Vote: Use the democratic power that has been given to all of us to protect reproductive rights. This affects everyone who lives under the flag of the United States, hence the title: RED, WHITE AND BLUE. You are either someone whose human rights are affected by the reversal of Roe v. Wade or you will know someone who is dealing with the consequences of this decision.
- Please watch our film and share it with others. We are currently on the festival circuit but we hope to be able to make it accessible to audiences everywhere. We made this film to start a conversation without judgement with those who might not fully comprehend the devastating consequences of the Supreme Court’s decision and how it might affect their own family members. We hope communities can use the film as a springboard to have difficult but necessary conversations about the issue of abortion which is often complicated and nuanced.
- We hope elected officials in government will understand the need to provide access to necessary healthcare to affected individuals and support all the organizations, hospitals, clinics, and medical staff with the funding and resources to serve these individuals within a safe environment for both patient and provider via slew of thoughtful and thorough policy and legislative initiatives.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
I will direct you to some thoughts compiled under the heading, “Top Five Regrets of the Dying’, by a palliative care nurse, Bronnie Ware, that I read several years ago. Instead of giving you anecdotes, I will expand on these ideas as they apply to my own philosophical ideals.
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
For me, I am attempting to live my life without regrets and with integrity. Do not look back just to say, “Coulda, shoulda, woulda…”
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
I believe that if you work at something you love like I do, it won’t feel like work. I do work hard but only because I am blessed to be in a profession where I can change the world with my stories.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Writing is my outlet for expressing my feelings. Find your outlet whether it’s through music or painting or some other creative endeavor. This is why the arts are essential to all of our lives. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Stay in touch with the people who feed your soul in all the right aways. I have recently learned it’s not the quantity of time that you’ve known someone that matters; it’s the quality of your friendship. Some of my closest friends are ones that I have acquired in the last decade and even the last year or so. Don’t close yourself off to new friendships because you think you have more than enough people in your life already.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a work in progress for me but knowing it means I can aspire to it.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
To live a meaningful life is to be of service to others and not just yourself and it will allow you to leave a lasting legacy to the world that will be your gift to humanity. Everyone can make their mark on their world in their own way. It will also help you selfishly sleep better at night.
We are very blessed that many other Social Impact Heroes read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would like to collaborate with, and why? He or she might see this. :-)
I deeply admire Mackenzie Scott for her quiet but extensive philanthropy. I strongly believe the title of philanthropist is one that should be ascribed to you instead of a title one gives to oneself. I think she is fully deserving of this title and I respect how her foundation does a deep dive on researching and selecting the most deserving causes with a great care and thought. I also admire the extensive work and ethos of the MacArthur Foundation and all the ways in which they support creatives through their understanding of how the arts and humanity intersect.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” ~ Muhammad Ali
Distilling this down into my own mantra: “Make the impossible possible.” If I had listened to all the people that told me it was impossible for a brown-skinned girl from working-class south London to make it in Hollywood or that coming to America was a dream that was outside of the realm of possibility for someone like me, I wouldn’t be here talking to you today. Believe in yourself first in order for others to believe in you too.
How can our readers follow you online?
Instagram: @redwhiteandbluefilm @nazrin.choudhury
Twitter/X: @rwbfilm23
Facebook: Find us here
YouTube: Find us here
You can also support our film via here:
https://www.thefilmcollaborative.org/fiscalsponsorship/projects/redwhiteandblue
This was great, thank you so much for sharing your story and doing this with us. We wish you continued success!
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
