KAMANAA: PRODUCING SHANIZ
If my memory serves me right, producer Ali Shaniz and I have been friends for over a decade now, despite not knowing each other too personally. He knows me as a screenwriter, and I know him as a producer with six films under his belt. Yet, somehow, we’ve always felt like we’ve known each other well.
Shaniz is one of those rare individuals with a personality that’s both friendly and outgoing, yet refreshingly direct. He doesn’t leave anything to assumption—he’s clear, concise, and gets straight to the point.
When he decided to produce Kamanaa, it was after reading the screenplay I wrote. Director Hussain Munavvar passed it on to him, and in one sitting, Shaniz devoured the screenplay and felt he was holding something truly special. That’s exactly what he told me, in his own words. And the best part? Never in my writing career had my payment been settled the same day after delivering the final screenplay. That’s the kind of producer Shaniz is—efficient, straightforward, and committed.
After the pre-production kicked off, the cast and crew flew to the island of HDh. Molhadhoo for filming. Normally, once my screenplay is sold, I don’t stay involved in the production process, unless I am requested. But Shaniz made sure I felt like I was part of the team. He’d call me up for coffee, update me on how things were progressing, and during our chats, he’d even call the director to get the latest on what was happening on set. It was as if he were a dad checking in on his kids while they were away on a trip. Nothing was left unattended because Shaniz’s philosophy is clear: less talk, more action.
He’s available for discussions at any hour, day or night. Just a day ago, I had to rewrite the post-credit scene. The production team initially felt it wasn’t necessary, but they eventually decided to include it. The scene needed a rewrite because an important actor cast for a cameo was unavailable, and the location had to be changed to accommodate the tight production schedule. That night, after discussing the changes with Munavvar, I quickly wrote the new scene and sent it to both Munavvar and Shaniz. Shaniz, true to form, read it immediately, discussed it with Munavvar, and called me to finalize it as soon as they were done.
Producer Shaniz Ali is the true captain of this ship, steering Kamanaa smoothly toward its release on 27 August 2024. If there’s anyone I’d say “Aye, Captain!” to, it’s him.
Mahdi Ahmed 
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