BUTTERFLY’S BAQA, 6min., USA
Directed by Abby London, Mariam-Saba Ahmad
This heart-opening dance film Butterfly’s Baqa invites the viewer to drop into their heart and open to an experience of meaningful beauty. Dancers Mariam-Saba Ahmad and Antonio Samayoa move through a European traditional dance, the waltz, to modern American Pop music, expressing ancient Eastern spiritual concepts. The art and music are created and sung by Mariam-Saba Ahmad specifically for this film, to create a cohesive message, a reminder that there is a purpose to the difficulty we all experience, and that freedom and connection we all search for is within our grasp.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

There are a few motivations. A motivation to making this film was to see if I could manifest an artistic creation that was both beautiful and meaningful into the world. The initial idea was simply to write my own song to a rhythm one could choreograph a dance to. I’m a singer/songwriter who writes spiritual pop music, and had returned to dancing only a few months prior. I knew the final product would be in video format rather than a performance, but as I had never made a film before it was not on my radar. I was moving through my morning prayers when choreography and lyrical ideas started to come into my awareness. I wrote them down and explored them for a bit before resuming my prayers. I thought it was a crazy idea but I’ve learned to share my crazy ideas with the people around me. So I did and to my surprise my friends just unanimously got excited. I had one friend share how she could see my paintings in the background behind me while I danced. The initial idea felt crazy enough, that thought was just off the scale for me. Then I shared it with my professional dance partner and he got excited and made additional suggestions, like starting the choreography without the final song even being started yet. As I suggest in the film of being with the Divine in every moment, it is a spiritual practice for me to let go of control and trust the creative process as it unfolds. I did my best to roll with it while I continuously readjusted my bearings throughout the creative journey. It was four months into the process before I learned that dance films were a thing and that was what I was making. Eventually it all made sense as it slowly came together. Film as a media brought all my creative talents and skills into one place and gave me a way to express my spiritual knowledge.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took me 15.5 months to make this film. From the initial idea and those first conversations, it was within a week we started the choreography. I started working on the song immediately as well. The main reason this film took so long to make was at the start of choreography creation, I did not know how to do 95% of what ended up being the final choreography. For where I was at in my dance journey, I not only had to learn steps but also advanced dance concepts that I had not ever considered in my previous ten years of dance experience.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Spiritually beautiful

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

My inexperience was my biggest obstacle in completing this film. I estimated how much it would cost to make this, and of course was off by quite a bit. My expectations on timing was off. Nothing went in the order I thought it would or should go. I had never booked a venue for anything before, let alone a theatre. I wasn’t connected to anyone that made films so had no frame of reference or anyone to turn to for advice. It was a huge adventure with a lot of friendly attention and eyes on my project.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Surprise. I have not seen a film done in quite the way I have done it. Innovation is scary because there’s no way to anticipate how it will be received. Ballroom dancing is so traditional, at least in the context of European history, but I’m a pop singer/songwriter with the spiritual perspective of eastern traditions. English doesn’t have all the words one needs to express certain spiritual ideas and concepts. I am accustomed to being misunderstood when I try to share my perspectives, so I did not know if my art would successfully convey my ideas well enough. I’m grateful it seems it has.

I was particularly surprised by one reviewer’s remarks that we need more spiritually-based content. I completely agree but am so accustomed to negative reactions based on my religious affiliation it was a wonderful reality check that I don’t need to be on constant guard against negative reactions based on how I present. It’s not pointless to search out like-minded individuals in various arenas or to expect support. Her reflection was particularly encouraging and heartening.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

It was during the creation of this film I realized that film was an ideal medium to bring all my creative interests into one place. It’s been less than a year since I realized that filmmaking might be something I continue to pursue.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The Fifth Element. I love the pacing of this film and the spiritual themes hidden all over the place.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I am happy to share any further ideas or suggestions as I have them, but at this moment what you provide is beyond my wildest expectations. I grateful you exist and offer as much as you do! You’re the perfect festival for me to share my first film with.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

It has been user friendly and convenient. As a new filmmaker, I am grateful for the ease it provides in both sharing my work and discovering places to share my work at.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Breakfast. I tend to have quiet breakfasts that allow for contemplation.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

After I learn how to share and release this film, yes another dance film. I have the song idea already and I know what dance I want it to be in. It’s how the first film started. I haven’t shared these ideas with anyone yet as it doesn’t feel so crazy this time.