Naseer Haider Siddiqui shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Naseer Haider, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A recent moment that made me both proud and emotional was when my film Exfil screened at the Cobb International Film Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. The judges spoke highly of how I produced the entire project independently, and standing on stage sharing my journey in front of filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world was incredibly meaningful. It’s a special feeling when people recognize your hard work, passion, and commitment to storytelling.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Naseer Haider, an award-winning filmmaker, director, and producer currently based in Atlanta. I specialize in creating visually driven, emotionally grounded stories, and I’m best known for my film Exfil, which has screened and won awards at multiple international festivals. What makes my work unique is that I often produce my films entirely on my own handling writing, direction, production, and creative execution allowing me to maintain a strong personal voice in every project. I’m passionate about telling stories that resonate with global audiences, and I’m currently developing new narrative and commercial projects that continue pushing my creative boundaries.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world tried to shape me, I was simply a curious kid who loved capturing moments and imagining stories. I grew up watching Tom & Jerry cartoons, and my biggest dream was to create animation when I got older. I was lucky enough to actually make that dream come true and eventually work in the animation field. Back then, I didn’t think about titles or expectations I just followed whatever sparked my creativity. In many ways, I’m still that same person today, just with more experience, bigger dreams, and a stronger purpose behind the stories I tell.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a moment when I almost gave up. During the global financial crisis in 2009, I was living in Dubai, and the city felt completely empty. Projects stopped, people weren’t spending, and the overall morale was really low. Work in the creative field disappeared almost overnight. I seriously considered leaving filmmaking and switching to a career in IT just to survive.
But with the support of my family and friends, I pushed through that tough year and a half. It was one of the most challenging periods of my life, but I’m grateful I stayed on my path. That struggle made me stronger and proved how much I truly loved my craft.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is the people in my life my family, my friendships, and the bonds that stay strong no matter how much time passes. I’ve always believed that success means nothing if you don’t have genuine people to share it with. My wife, my brother, and my parents have been my constant support system. They keep me grounded, remind me of my purpose, and push me forward during difficult times.
Friendship is equally important to me. I value people who stand by you not only when things are going well, but also when life becomes challenging. My childhood friend Ali is the perfect example of that. We grew up together, dreaming about our futures, and he has always been there through my highs and lows. I encouraged him to step into the animation industry when he was unsure, and today he runs his own business a journey that makes me incredibly proud.
For me, what truly matters is loyalty, support, and surrounding myself with people who inspire me, believe in me, and grow with me. Those relationships are the foundation of everything I do.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think the biggest misunderstanding about my legacy might be that people see the awards, the films, and the achievements and assume it all happened smoothly or easily. What many don’t realize is that most of my work was built from the ground up, often without a big team, big budget, or industry backing. I’ve had to fight through financial challenges, rejections, long nights, and moments of doubt to keep going.
Some might think I had a clear path or special advantages, but my journey has been about resilience, consistency, and believing in my vision when no one else did. If anything, I hope people eventually understand that my legacy isn’t just about the films I created it’s about the persistence, the sacrifices, and the passion behind every project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackbirdme.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naseer.hs/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naseer-haider-siddiqui-58632026/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackbirdme/
Image Credits
Naseer Haider Siddiqui
