In the bustling city of Lusail, Qatar, Nehjul Huda, an electrical engineer from India, finds solace in storytelling amidst the chaos of his construction site. Every few months, he trades his hard hat for a camera and returns home to his village in Kerala to capture poignant tales of childhood and societal struggles. Recently, Nehjul’s film ‘Ochu (The Snail)’ won the prestigious “Best Family/Children Film” award at the World Film Festival in Cannes, highlighting important social issues from the perspective of a young girl.
Despite his demanding job in Qatar, Nehjul manages to create compelling short films during his annual vacation. His dedication and passion for filmmaking have earned him recognition in various film festivals. Inspired by renowned directors from around the world, Nehjul is self-taught and constantly honing his skills in storytelling. His previous project, ‘Noolu (The Thread)’, also received critical acclaim and awards at state and international festivals.
The World Film Festival in Cannes provides a platform for amateur filmmakers like Nehjul to showcase their work to a global audience and receive valuable feedback from critics. Winning the “Luciole d’Or” award and having their film screened in Cannes is a dream for many aspiring filmmakers. Despite the challenges of balancing work and filmmaking, Nehjul remains committed to sharing important stories through his films, especially those centered around children and their experiences.
Nehjul’s passion for storytelling fuels his creativity and allows him to constantly come up with new ideas for his films. By showcasing the harsh realities faced by children in some parts of the world, he hopes to raise awareness and spark conversations about important social issues. While his current focus is on creating films in India, Nehjul also dreams of producing a short film in Qatar one day, bridging the gap between his two worlds and reaching a global audience with his powerful narratives.
As an amateur filmmaker without a formal background in the industry, Nehjul’s success serves as an inspiration for others who share a similar passion for storytelling. His dedication to his craft and willingness to learn from masters in the field have propelled him to new heights in the world of cinema. With each new project, Nehjul continues to push boundaries and shed light on important social issues through the lens of his unique and compelling storytelling.
