A Look Back at I Can’t Think Straight This January!
A Reflection on the Making of My Debut Film 🎥🎞️
As we step into the new year, I really hope you all had a holiday time that was filled with family, friends and time to restore. Or just some old movies and a good bottle of wine. Whatever your thing, I wish it for you. As the world seems to go ever crazier around us, run by the kind of thinking that (in my opinion) should have died years ago, taking time to enjoy small moments feels more and more important to me and Hanan.
It’s hard to imagine it’s been nearly 20 years since we filmed I Can't Think Straight - in Summer 2006 - and 17 years since its original release. I certainly have not aged, I’m sure you haven’t and the film still gets so much love from you and new generations who discover it. This story, led by Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth, has been a part of my heart for years, and I’m so happy to be able to revisit it with all of you, especially in a world that still continues to evolve in its understanding of love, culture, and identity.
A Story of Love, Identity, and Culture
When I first conceived I Can’t Think Straight, I wanted to tell a story about love—one that wasn’t bound by the traditional narratives we often see. This was at a time when a lot of stories about lesbian love ended in death or despair. As if that was the natural end to feelings like this. I wanted something different.
And so the film explores not just the love between two women but also the complexities of their cultural, religious, and personal identities. Tala, a of Palestinian descent, and Leyla, British of Indian heritage, navigate the challenge of reconciling their feelings with the expectations of their families and communities. Yes, it is loosely based on Hanan and my own story but ours had somewhat less humour :) We’ve been together 29 years this February, and back then, in our cultures, coming out was a disaster for our families - and having kids was another drama entirely.
What makes this story so powerful is not just that it’s quite personal to us, but how universal it is. Love, identity, and belonging are themes that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. It’s a film that invites people to reflect on their own experiences with love and self-discovery, while also opening up conversations about cultural differences and the importance of embracing one’s true self.
What’s to Come This Month
I’m excited to announce that throughout January, I’ll be releasing more reflections and insights about the making of I Can’t Think Straight. I’ll be sharing stories about the making of the film, diving deeper into the cultural themes that shaped the film, and reflecting on how the story continues to resonate today. I can’t wait to take you on this journey with me and give you a closer look at the process of creating a film that (unexpectedly) became such an important part of my life and work, thanks to the incredible outpouring of love for the characters and story.
For even more exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates throughout January, be sure to follow us on Instagram. Our Instagram page will be home to more I Can’t Think Straight clips, and special updates throughout the month!
Thank you for your continued support, and for being part of this incredible journey. Your connection to I Can’t Think Straight means the world to me, and I look forward to sharing even more with you as we celebrate this 17-year milestone.
With love and gratitude,
Shamim Sarif
As a paid subscriber, you’ll get access to:
Exclusive content and behind-the-scenes insights
Competitions and prize draws, including:
Signed books from Shamim’s collection: I Can’t Think Straight, The World Unseen, Despite the Falling Snow, The Athena Protocol, The Shadow Mission
Signed Cast & Crew Hardback Book from Despite the Falling Snow
Exclusive Movie Memorabilia
Leyla is my alter ego :quiet, principled, spiritual