Books, Films, Love, and Life with Shamim Sarif
I’ve always believed that stories are how we make sense of the world — how we connect across cultures, borders, communities, and even within the divisions of our own families. Mostly, I’m enthralled by the way stories can make us see the world differently by appealing to our empathy, our compassion, our ability to learn and grow, and challenge ourselves.
So much for the grand aspirations. The short bio is that I’m a novelist, screenwriter, and director of feature films and series, and I’ve spent much of the last two decades telling stories about love, identity, courage, and hope. Often those stories are about women, and often about LGBTQI+ women.
In some ways, I created the stories that I missed growing up, working my way through hundreds of novels and hundreds of films. Stories about women, women of colour, queer women, that were just not there when I was younger. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to see my books and films travel the world and collect awards along the way. I didn’t expect the messages from readers and viewers who took the time to tell me that a story made them feel seen, validated, or inspired.
That connection is why I’m here now. I was inspired by the 50,000 strong community who followed me on Facebook, who found friendships and even love with each other along the way. But my Facebook page was arbitrarily removed last year, and I wanted somewhere that was curated by me. Not by tech billionaires or the algorithm. So - this Substack is my way of sharing stories beyond the scripts and pages: the sparks that inspire them, the challenges behind creating them, and the ongoing conversations they open up.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re navigating life between cultures, identities, or expectations, I hope you find resonance here. Whether you’ve arrived here because you connected with one of my films or books, because you’re curious, or because you’re creating something of your own, I’m so glad you’re here.
Let’s explore together what it means to tell stories that matter, to paint a world that we wish existed, and to make it possible by putting it into words. Because here, you’ll find a community that believes in the power of stories to change how we see the world, and one another.
Free Subscription
As a free subscriber, you’ll receive my regular newsletter posts, at least once a month. These might be thoughts on storytelling and the themes that run through my work, like identity and culture. Sometimes there will be updates on my films, books, and The Enlightenment Podcast.
Paid Subscribers
Becoming a paid subscriber gives a deeper access to my creative journey with at least one post a week:
Creative Inspirations: essays and journals on writing, filmmaking, and directing
Cultural Legacy: reflections on identity, heritage, and the social issues shaping our stories
Behind the Scenes: never-before-seen content
Monthly Recommendations: Books, Films, and Music
Occasional draws for signed copies of my books
Founding Members
Founding Members are the heartbeat of this community. Along with everything in the Paid Subscription, you’ll also receive:
An annual video message with exclusive reflections on my creative journey
Personal notes + cards from me
A signed copy of one of my books upon joining
No matter which option you choose, I’m deeply appreciative for your presence here. Whether you’re reading along for free, supporting as a Paid Subscriber, or joining as a Founding Member, you’re part of a community that believes in the power of stories to create change.
With love and gratitude,
Shamim Sarif
