Director Haya Waseem has signed with bicoastal Epoch Films for representation spanning commercials, branded content and music videos in the U.S.
Waseem is a Pakistani-Canadian filmmaker, raised in Switzerland and living in Brooklyn. Constantly adapting to new environments and people, Waseem developed a keen sense of observation that she weaves into her work.
She began her career as a documentary editor, allowing her to shape stories and interact intimately with rich, character-driven narratives. Waseem carried those principles of honesty and perspective into her creative work as a director. Her short films have screened at prestigious festivals such as TIFF, Cannes, Berlinale and across all Air Canada flights. She is an alumna of the Director’s Lab program at Norman Jewison’s Canadian Film Centre. Most recently, Waseem wrapped principal photography on her first feature film, Quickening, through Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch program.
“Since before I entered the commercial space, I looked towards Epoch as a hub of creativity and inspiring individuals,” said Waseem. “I am excited to be joining Epoch, to be among great company, absorb expert guidance, and to grow and lead with confidence.”
“Haya’s work is intelligent and warm,” said Mindy Goldberg, founding partner of Epoch Films. “With an inclusive sensibility she draws on diverse cultural imagery to create touching human stories.”
Prior to joining Epoch, Waseem was repped by production house Curfew.
Epoch is represented in the West by Dexter Randazzo & Jonathan Logan at The Department of Sales; in the East by Tara Averill & John Robertson at Representation; and in the Midwest by Chris Brown & Nicole Feddock at Baer Brown Reps.
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More