We were lucky to catch up with Nabat Shir recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Nabat thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is “The Window,” a moving drama that delves into the life of Vivian, a woman confined to a wheelchair. The story unfolds through the metaphor of a window in her family home, serving as a lens through which she reflects on the decisions she made during pivotal periods of her life. Themes of abuse, betrayal, and the complexities of womanhood are intricately woven into the narrative.
“The Window” won three awards at the Sipontum Arthouse International Film Festival in the Summer 2024 Edition, including Best Screenplay (short film) – Nabat Shir, Best Cinematography (short film) – Yuuki Shimizu, and Best Sound Design – Mark Otim.
The inspiration for “The Window” came from the films of David Lynch, Ingmar Bergman, Andrei Tarkovsky, Orson Welles, and Federico Fellini—directors known for exploring the depths of the human psyche. While these legends of cinema were all men, my goal was to create a film with poetic essence, and intellectual depth through a female perspective.
The concept of the “window” metaphor emerged during a heartfelt conversation with a friend about how the same woman, at different stages of her life, sees entirely different things when looking out the same window. This ordinary window took on the significance of a separate character, sparking the idea for a philosophical discourse. The film invites viewers to engage with the story of an elderly woman who regrets not living her life the way she truly wanted.
The challenge became how to immerse the viewer in the protagonist’s emotional journey. I wanted the audience to live through her feelings and make discoveries alongside her. To achieve this, I decided to use sequence shots in several key scenes, aiming to create a poetic, living reality on screen. We utilized sequence shots in collaboration with my DP, Yuuki Shimizu, which became a crucial part of the film’s visual storytelling. Yuuki has a rare talent for intuitively understanding my vision, often grasping the emotional core of a scene with just a few words. Together, we created deeply emotional shots that conveyed the actors’ performances with incredible sensitivity. Television Emmy Award winning sound designer Mark Otim enriched the film, adding auditory layers that intensified the experience.
Working with editor Haley Breese was an absolute pleasure. We extensively discussed each scene, striving to find the perfect sequence and rhythm until the short film came together like a puzzle. Her meticulous attention to detail and determination in finding the best way to tell the story made the film a cohesive, harmonious, and emotionally rich work.
Collaborating with music composer Marina Ortega Mira was a rewarding experience. Her unique approach, shaped by her struggle with hyperacusis, added layers of emotional depth and brought our protagonist’s inner world to life. Her talent has been recognized with awards like the Fulbright and ASCAP Harold Arlen Film & TV Award. She has worked on projects for Amazon Prime, Netflix, 20th Century Studios, collaborating with Emmy-winning collective Bleeding Fingers Music founded by Hans Zimmer.
Casting the lead actors, Mallory Ivy and Jared Polivka, was another significant aspect of the project. I conducted impromptu rehearsals with them, writing dialogue on the go, allowing their natural personalities to blend with the characters. The goal was to achieve an authentic portrayal of Vivian and Brian’s complex relationship. Watching them connect during the first rehearsal filled me with excitement—I knew the audience would feel the same chemistry on screen.
I’m happy to share some of the insightful reviews “The Window” received from the jury at the Sipontum Arthouse International Film Festival:
Anna Troiano noted: “The window becomes a single thread that embroiders Vivian’s life… It passes through her, accompanies her, reveals her, guards her, and takes care of her! A photograph that colors and fades the protagonist’s life, beautifully portrayed through the actresses’ performances.”
Antonio Del Nobile reflected: “More than the metaphor of the window, I was struck by the image of the little girl turning back to see herself as old. If we all had this opportunity as children—and if someone taught us to consider the entirety of our existence—perhaps we would make more deliberate choices in life. In a sense, this is an esoteric film. Cinema, perhaps even more than literature, can condense into a single image a lesson that is difficult to grasp. A ‘satori’ with a Western flavor.”
Antonio Universi added: “The soft images and velvety camera movements capture the hidden beauty and shadows of Vivian’s life, using the window as a filter between the internal and external world. The contemplative shots and the play of light evoke the sense of melancholy and regret, making each scene a living painting. Shimizu’s ability to convey deep emotions through images brings out the visual poetry of the film, involving the viewer in an intense and thoughtful emotional journey.”
For me, “The Window” is a film that I hope will offer viewers a vivid emotional journey and inspire deep reflection.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi, I’m Nabat, a director, writer, producer, and actress with a deep passion for crafting films and commercials that strike an emotional chord.
I embarked on my filmmaking journey in 2016 when I founded Argach Films, a video and photo production studio in Turkmenistan, as a self-taught director with no formal training or background in cinema. Even without formal training, I felt an irresistible drive to explore the art of filmmaking. Eager to learn, I immersed myself in the world of film—devouring master classes from Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard, watching films by legendary auteurs—Federico Fellini being a key inspiration at the time—and reading books on screenwriting, such as Story by Robert McKee. Armed with passion and curiosity, I made the fearless decision that this was my path—I was going to be a film director.
In those early days, I took on projects for little pay—shooting love stories, music videos, and commercials. But with each project, my skills sharpened, and my confidence grew. Clients were moved by my work. The positive feedback warmed my heart and sparked a deeper desire to continue developing my craft. I poured my heart and soul into many aspects of filmmaking—directing, writing, producing, production design, and editing, all of which I handled myself. The enthusiasm from my clients reinforced my belief that I had found my true calling—to be a filmmaker and to make the world a little better with the help of my art. That journey, filled with growth and passion, has brought me to where I am today.
As the first filmmaker from Turkmenistan to receive the prestigious Fulbright Grant to study in the U.S., I earned my MFA in Film and Television from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). I’m also proud to be an alumna of the Edmund S. Muskie Professional Fellowship Program.
One of the highlights of my career was directing “Mimi Meets Mio,” a spec ad for Mio Energy (Kraft Heinz), which won a Bronze Pencil at The One Club for Creativity’s Young Ones Awards in 2024. My work in commercials allowed me to learn to communicate ideas efficiently and bring emotional depth even to shorter projects.
My short film “The Window” won three awards at the Sipontum Arthouse International Film Festival in the Summer 2024 Edition, including Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Design. This is our first selection and win in the festival circuit, setting an inspiring tone for the beginning of our festival run. We are eagerly anticipating the continued impact and further opportunities that lie ahead.
In 2020, I directed Creator, a short film for the 48 Hours Film Race, where I served as director, producer, writer, and editor. As a self-taught director, being named among the Top 48 Best Short Films in Central Asia was a pivotal moment that pushed me to hone my skills as a filmmaker under intense pressure. This project motivated me to continue evolving as an artist.
Looking back, my journey has been one of exploration and growth, but what remains constant is the desire to connect deeply with audiences through my work. As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned, the passion that fuels me, and the hope that my work can, in some small way, make the world a better place.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
There’s a certain vulnerability that non-creatives might not fully understand. As a director and screenwriter, the creative journey demands not only technical mastery but also emotional openness. For me, as an introvert, sharing my work can sometimes come with a sense of awkwardness. It’s not just about public self-expression, but about revealing something deeply personal. However, to truly connect with viewers, honesty and openness are essential. It is through this vulnerability that a work can touch people on a profound emotional level. Despite being more introverted, my goal is to create an emotional connection with the audience, which I deeply value and cherish. Sharing my work allows me to engage in a larger conversation and build that meaningful connection.
A vivid example of this deep connection with the audience is my music video To Mother, created in 2020 for the renowned Turkmen composer Rovshen Nepesov. The video, which explores the profound bond between a mother and her son, resonated strongly with the audience, with many viewers sharing that it moved them to tears. Witnessing such a reaction deeply moved me and confirmed that I had found my true calling as a director and screenwriter. This experience gave me the confidence to apply for and ultimately win, a Fulbright grant to study filmmaking in the U.S.—a turning point in my life.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The driving force behind my artistic journey is to offer people the opportunity to experience life through the lens of different characters and circumstances—allowing them to see the world from new perspectives, feel emotions they may not have encountered, and reflect on their own lives. Through this, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the human experience and inspire personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nabatshir.com/
- Instagram: @nabat_shir
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/nabat-shir-679941250
Image Credits
Photo by Nabat Shir
Courtesy of One Club for Creativity’s Young Ones Awards
Courtesy of Megan Mullen