Directed by zaeem asad
Produced BY emma raz
Contemporary explores the transformative power of art through the stories of three groundbreaking UK-based artists—Denai Moore, a vegan Jamaican chef revolutionizing cuisine; Mr Cenz, a graffiti artist reshaping urban landscapes; and Bimini, a drag performer pushing the boundaries of identity and performance. This visually rich documentary celebrates their unique journeys, challenges conventions, and reveals how they are shaping modern culture by turning everyday moments into extraordinary expressions of creativity.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKER
Zaeem Asad is a London-based filmmaker known for his compelling commercials and documentaries. Having directed over 60 commercials, mainly in food and beverages, he brings a sharp eye for storytelling. His passion lies in crafting authentic narratives, capturing the lives of real people who challenge societal norms, and exploring culture and creativity through film.
READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH ZAEEM
Welcome to our Short of the Week series. Tell us a bit about yourself and your filmmaking background.
I’m Zaeem Asad, a London-based filmmaker. My career began in music and local TV before transitioning to commercials, with notable clients like Nestle and PepsiCo. I’m also known for directing Pakistan's first locally made food commercial. My passion for storytelling through visual mediums, particularly around cultural themes, led me to direct Katalina, a documentary about communal living in northeast London. In addition to filmmaking, I’ve always had a deep connection to art, which has been central to my creative journey.
Tell us about the genesis of Contemporary and your motivation for making this film.
Contemporary was born out of a shared passion for art between myself and producer Emma Raz. We both have personal connections to the arts—Emma through painting and I through music—that shaped our desire to explore how art influences contemporary society. The motivation for making this documentary was to showcase how art exists in everyday life, through unique perspectives like Denai Moore's innovative culinary approach, Mr. Cenz’s street art, and Bimini’s performances. We wanted to highlight the transformative power of art and its ability to shape identity and culture.
What were some of the main obstacles you experienced when making Contemporary and how did you overcome them?
One of the main challenges was coordinating with artists who have such diverse and dynamic practices. Each of them operates in unique spaces, from kitchens to the streets to stages, which made scheduling and capturing the essence of their work difficult. To overcome this, we relied on flexibility, adjusting our shooting schedules to work around their creative processes. Another challenge was balancing the vision of each artist with the overarching narrative of the film, but through collaboration and constant communication, we were able to maintain a cohesive story.
Tell us about the journey of getting your film to audiences and some of the festival circuit highlights.
The journey of getting Contemporary to audiences has been incredibly rewarding. We began by submitting to various festivals, and it was humbling to see how well the film resonated with audiences. A highlight was being selected for [specific festivals], where it sparked deep conversations about art's role in shaping modern culture. The festival circuit allowed us to connect with diverse audiences and filmmakers, further amplifying the message of the film.
What advice or hacks would you give to other short filmmakers?
Start with what you’re passionate about, and stay true to your vision. The journey of filmmaking is full of compromises, but never lose sight of why you wanted to tell that story in the first place. Additionally, collaboration is key. Surround yourself with a team that shares your enthusiasm and perspective. Lastly, embrace the process—every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Any film recommendations that we should add to our watchlist?
I recommend watching Inside Llewyn Davis, as it offers incredible perspectives on the challenging life of an artist as well as the wider culture surrounding art. These films, like Contemporary, challenge conventions and offer deep reflections on the world we live in.
What are you working on next?
Currently, I’m developing a new project that explores the concept of heritage. It’s still in the early stages, but I’m excited to dive deeper into how art and identity intersect in different cultural contexts. Stay tuned for more updates!
