As announced in an exclusive in Screen International, we are delighted to have acquired world sales rights to IN CAMERA, the debut feature of 2020 Screen Star of tomorrow filmmaker Naqqash Khalid.

The film starring Nabhaan Rizwan (MOGUL MOWGLI), Amir El-Masry (CLUB ZERO, LIMBO) and, Rory Fleck Byrne (THE FOREIGNER, THIS IS GOING TO HURT) wrapped filming in September and provides a satirical look at the film & TV industry.

The film is produced by Juliette Larthe as a first title for the UK arm of UK-US production firm Prettybird, and is the first title to be released from Mary Burke’s new production label, Public Dreams. IN CAMERA is financed by BBC Film and the BF (awarding National Lottery funding)I, and in association with Uncommon Creative Studio.

Director Naqqash Khalid was recognised as a Screen Star of Tomorrow in 2020, and features dual Screen Stars of tomorrow actors Nabhaan Rizwan (2019) and BAFTA-winning Amir El-Masry (2021) in compelling performances.

IN CAMERA follows Aden – played by Rizwan – a young man who spends most of his time recording self-tapes for parts he never gets. After he receives multiple rejections for a series of nightmarish commercial auditions, he takes it upon himself to find a new part to play.

In Camera came through the 2019-20 intake of the iFeatures Lab, supported by Creative England, the BFI, BBC Film and ScreenSkills.

“Naqqash is an exciting new voice and we are thrilled to be launching his debut feature to international buyers. The film takes a satirical look at the film & TV industry, and questions our sense of identity through a nuanced lens. We believe audiences will be engaged by Rizwan’s performance, which expands outside of reality.” said Sarah Mosses, Founder & CEO of Together Films.

Producer Juliette Larthe adds: “Khalid has created a generational portrait informed by a culture of hyper-surveillance and hyperperformativity, that symbolizes the “Anxious Young Man’ of our times in his smashing debut, directing an electric performance from Nabhaan Rizwan, which blends satire, surrealism and hyper-realism. We are delighted and excited to be working with Together Films to launch this film into the marketplace.”

Producer Mary Burke says: “Nabhaan Rizwan showcases his power by carving a performance that traces all sides of this Möbius strip. Khalid has delivered an enigmatic debut – an ouroboros that will appeal to younger audiences eager to make sense of the world, and their place within it. I started Public Dreams to produce work that challenges cinematic norms and am thrilled to be partnering with Together Films to present the film to the market.”

Together Films will be presenting the film to buyers at Cannes in advance of a summer festival debut to be announced soon.