Atif Siddique

If you're a sufi student, you know very well how tooting your horn will get you some serious bashing by your teacher. Yeah i'm one of those a Sufi sudent. And spirituality has been there in some form or another in my work as a screenwriter. I would say even as an actor.

it's been 20 years (not 84). I started as a theater actor. Then got into writing for the stage and directing. Then about 14 years ago, tried my hands at screenwriting. Being a writer in Pakistan can be particularly unrewarding, but i've been lucky. Recently, I got my first breakthrough called "Umro Ayyar", (yeah, you can check IMDB) as a screenwriter.

I'm genre-flexible. I love comedy. I've done philosophical and dark work, i love writing action. I'm a hopeless romantic. And the fact that i've been in so many boats in my career, including business, art, design, sales, marketing, philanthropy, tech, among others, that it puts me in a unique position to know weirdly a lot about a lot. But the cornerstone of my journey has been my spiritual journey integrated with all that.

My life means something to me. So my work means something to me. I'm one of those who does treat this field like a medium to teach and inspire, sorry can't help that. It's integrated into my workflow.

Speaking of workflow, I was right-brained all my life, but i've taught myself to get left-brain active. I'm a stickler for structure. I like to organize my thoughts before I can "let it flow." Which also means i'm good with collaboration. I've worked with many directors, actors, even writers. I've run a writers room, been part of one, and i'm always open to more minds. I'm also known to deliver on deadlines.

Why i'm on Stage 32 is, well to see if there's work here for me. And also to see if there's like-minded filmmakers who are looking to work together. So whether it's script doctoring, review, or even building an idea from the ground up all the way to a screenplay, i'm in.

I'm based in Islamabad, Pakistan. I write in English, Urdu, and Punjabi. I can act (or so i've been told). I have a bunch of stage experience. But most importantly, "I've got something to say." And i'm sure you do too. And I would love to see if we can say it together.