Meet Pakistani-American writer and director Bob Ahmed, an alum of NYFA’s short-term filmmaking workshop. We recently caught up with Bob to discuss his career and latest project.
1. Congratulations on your success, Bob. Let’s start with your award-winning short, Tikkun Olam, which you wrote and directed.
Tikkun Olam is really close to my heart. It’s about a young boy in D.C. who sees a homeless veteran on the streets and decides to do something small yet powerful to help him regain his dignity.
I moved to D.C. a few years ago, and I remember being struck by the number of homeless people I walked by every day. There was this one moment, though, when my brother saw a homeless man lying unconscious in the street while people just walked by. It really shook me – because I was one of those people who walked by every day. Around that time, I also read an inspiring book, To Heal A Fractured World, which explains the concept of Tikkun Olam—healing the world by helping others beyond your own circle. That was the spark for the film. In 2021, it was recognized by the California State Assembly as “a groundbreaking film” and is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
2. Now you’re working on a new feature film, Adam’s Fire. What is that about?
Adam’s Fire is about a young boy named Adam who is seeking revenge after his mother is killed. But as he forms an unexpected bond with a brave girl and finds spiritual guidance from a wise neighbor, his world is turned upside down. He has to choose between vengeance and something that challenges everything he thought he believed in. It’s a story of growth, self-discovery, and the power of human connection. I feel that the journey Adam goes on reflects the internal battles we face.
3. The film is shot at a beautiful farm in West Virginia. How did you choose this particular location?
I was actually scouting locations in the mountains of Virginia when I got completely lost. My phone died, and I had no reception, so I just kept driving until I stumbled upon this incredible, fairytale-like farm surrounded by misty mountains.
And there, standing like something out of a timeless story, was a fifth-generation, dashing, farm owner – a man whose presence seemed to embody the spirit of the land.
I got out of my car, walked up to him and said, “Hi, I’m a filmmaker, and I want to film a movie here.” And instead of being thrown off the property, he welcomed me in with genuine warmth.
That moment with this farm owner was more than just a chance encounter. It felt like a scene straight out of the story we were trying to tell. The way he carried himself – his kindness towards a stranger, hospitality, and the pride he took in his land – showed a quiet heroism we often overlook. To me, he represented the unsung American heroes that most people don’t know about.
Oh, and it wasn’t until later that I realized I wasn’t even in Virginia at all – I had somehow ended up in a different state altogether – this was West Virginia!
4. What do you hope the audience will take away from the film?
I hope that Adam’s Fire can spark something in people. It’s about trauma, healing, and the power of connection across cultures. I’ve never seen a film explore these themes quite like this before. My goal is for the audience to walk away feeling inspired, thoughtful, and maybe even a little healed.
5. Tell us a bit about working with the actors.
Working with our actors was such a rewarding experience. One of our leads, Chris Alvarez, is a former Navy SEAL, and he had this incredible dedication that rubbed off on all of us. One morning, I showed up five minutes late for our 5:30 AM call time, and Chris didn’t hesitate to discreetly give me an inspiring talk on why being on time is so important – not just for you, but for everyone around you. He taught me that punctuality is a way of respecting the team. From that point on, I made it my mission to arrive before 5:30 AM. On one occasion, I even got there before Chris did! It’s funny how those little moments can teach you so much about discipline and respect.
6. Where are you and your team in the process? What are the next steps?
We’re in the final stages of post-production and hoping to release the movie later this year. This film comes from our teams’ hearts, and I’m especially excited to share it with the NYFA community.
7. Before we let you go, can you tell us how NYFA influenced your film career?
Before going to NYFA, I thought success was all about individual accomplishments. But when I got there, I quickly realized that success isn’t just about personal goals—it’s about connecting with others and having a purpose that’s bigger than yourself. NYFA taught me the importance of community, of working together and creating with others who share the same passion. That lesson has stayed with me ever since.
NYFA wishes Bob all the best as he takes his new project out into the world.