Mahdi Ahmed

Scripting waves of imagination from the sunny side of the Maldives.

Posts tagged ‘Producer’

ALI SHANIZ: THE CAPTAIN WHO DIDN’T FLINCH

It takes a certain kind of producer to make a blockbuster. But it takes a braver one to follow it up with something as raw, unsettling, and emotionally demanding as Kan’bulo.

Ali Shaniz, the producer behind Kamanaa—the biggest Dhivehi blockbuster of 2024—could have played it safe. He had every reason to. After delivering one of the most commercially successful films in recent memory, most would steer toward lighter waters. But Shaniz chose the storm. He chose Kan’bulo.

This isn’t just a film. It’s a cinematic reckoning. A story laced with silence, trauma, and emotional violence—territory most producers would instinctively avoid. But not Shaniz. When director Hussain Munavvaru handed him the screenplay, Shaniz didn’t hesitate. He understood what the story was asking of him—not just financially, but morally. And he said yes.

Producing a film like Kan’bulo is not just about funding—it’s about backing the emotional and social weight of the story. Shaniz never once tried to soften the edges. He never once asked, “Can this be toned down?” Instead, he leaned in. He created the space for this film to be what it needed to be: unflinching and honest.

It’s also worth noting that this was the very same team that made Kamanaa what it was. From post-production to performances, Shaniz believed in bringing everyone back—not for familiarity’s sake, but because he understood that a story this delicate needed people who could hold it with care.

As a writer, it’s rare to find a producer who not only respects the page but also protects it. Shaniz is that kind of producer. He doesn’t just produce movies—he shoulders them. With grit. With grace. And most of all, with guts.

Producer Ali Shaniz is once again at the helm, this time navigating far rougher waters with Kan’bulo. But steady as ever, he’s steering this ship straight through the storm. And if there’s anyone I’d trust to sail a story this heavy into harbor—it’s him. Aye, Captain.

Kan’bulo is currently enjoying a successful run at Olympus.

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.