This project was created in a single day as part of my solo indie production for the Visual Storytelling class at the VCU Brandcenter. At its core, Insaan is a meditation on the nature of being human. In Arabic, Insaan means human, derived from the root nisyah, meaning forgetfulness. There is a quiet beauty in that. Forgetfulness is often seen as a flaw, but it is also what allows us to heal, evolve, and continue searching for meaning. This project visually explores that cycle: how we lose, remember, and rediscover ourselves.
To bring this idea to life, I scouted locations around Richmond, VA, during golden hour. With limited access to artificial lighting, I wanted to maximize the natural warmth and softness of the setting sun. I planned the shoot with careful attention to light control, using negative fill to shape contrast and add depth to the scenes.
The human figure had to remain the focal point, both visually and thematically. To achieve this, I shot with a 70-200mm telephoto lens, allowing me to compress the background and soften distractions while ensuring the subject remained tack sharp. This approach created an intimate, almost dreamlike separation between the subject and their environment, reinforcing the film’s introspective tone.
In post-production, I leaned into a warm and soft color grade to enhance the film’s emotional depth. The warmth was intentional, evoking a sense of nostalgia, love, and quiet reflection. By keeping the tones gentle, I aimed to create a visual experience that feels both intimate and universal. A reminder of the warmth that comes with remembering, even in moments of forgetfulness.
Insaan is a deeply personal exploration of what it means to be human. It is about the beauty of forgetting, the grace of remembering, and the quiet poetry of being.