October 18, 2024 – Toronto, Canada: The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is no stranger to exciting debuts, and this year, Hamza Sana, a promising talent with a captivating backstory, is stepping into the spotlight for the first time. His debut film, which premieres at TIFF tomorrow, marks the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling career in cinema. From humble beginnings to an unexpected opportunity on the sets of a major film, Hamza’s journey into acting is nothing short of remarkable.
Discovering a Passion for Acting in Canada
Unlike many who dream of stardom from an early age, Hamza Sana’s journey to the big screen was serendipitous. After moving to Canada, he found himself immersed in Toronto’s dynamic artistic community, where his passion for acting truly blossomed. Though he had attended acting courses back in Pakistan, it was his time in Canada that made him consider acting as a serious career.
“I had done some acting courses back home, but it was my experience in Canada that really ignited my passion. I was surrounded by creatives, and the environment pushed me to explore the world of film more seriously,” Hamza shared.
A Serendipitous Debut
Hamza’s entry into the film industry was far from conventional. He recalls the moment vividly—he had just finished a work shift and was invited to meet with friends on the set of a movie being shot in downtown Toronto. Little did he know that this chance visit would change his life.
“I thought I was just going to have dinner with the crew,” Hamza laughed. “But suddenly, the producer Minu Basi asked me to do a scene, and before I knew it, Bollywood director Shadab Khan was saying, ‘Chal tujhe launch karte hai.’ I couldn’t believe it!”
The Challenges of a First-Time Actor
Despite his charismatic, confident personality, Hamza admits that stepping into the shoes of an actor for the first time came with challenges. Filming his debut scene late into the night, at 1 AM, added to the pressure.
“It was my first time acting, and it was a bit overwhelming trying to understand the scene. Everyone was tired, and I felt the pressure to perform quickly so we could wrap up the day,” he said. “But I was lucky to have such a supportive crew. The producers, Minu and Deep Basi, along with director Shadab Khan, made me feel comfortable, and their guidance really helped me through the process.”
What Sets His Film Apart
Hamza’s debut film has already garnered significant attention, premiering at TIFF and earning a coveted selection for the New York International Film Festival.
“I feel fortunate that our film has made it to such prestigious festivals. It’s exciting to think that this is just the beginning, and I’m grateful to be part of something that has so much potential,” Hamza shared.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Hamza Sana has quickly learned that the world of film is both demanding and rewarding. Reflecting on his experience so far, he acknowledges the hard work that goes into creating even the shortest scenes.
“People don’t realize how much effort goes into making a film. Sometimes a 30-second scene can take hours to perfect. The long hours on set can be draining, but it’s all worth it when you see the final result,” he said.
As for the future, Hamza is eager to continue his journey in acting. He is already in discussions for a second film and is looking to explore roles in Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi films, having completed his first film in English.
“There’s a huge market for films in these languages, and I want to tap into that. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities ahead,” Hamza said.
With his TIFF debut on the horizon and a bright future ahead, Hamza Sana is undoubtedly a rising star to watch.
This exciting chapter in Hamza Sana’s career begins tomorrow with the premiere of his film at TIFF, and we can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next.
