Class of 2024 Bachelor of Creative Arts graduate Rami Khan was recently chosen to participate in Reelworld Screen Institute’s Emerging 20 Program.
The program, which is tailored to support screenwriters develop their first feature film, sees candidates taken through a part-time, 6-month program to polish their screenplays into a final draft, wrapping in September with one-on-one pitch sessions designed to hone their pitching skills and develop their network.
“As an emerging writer, being selected for this program has been such a dream. I’ve only ever written pilots or shorts, so getting a chance to write my first feature in this environment has been such a gift,” said Khan, who’s using the opportunity to help get his film, The Last Samosa, off the ground.
“The program is really unique in the sense that it focuses on amplifying BIPOC writers and their voices in a supportive environment run by other BIPOC professionals…I feel like being able to do this right after school has felt like a continuing education program and it’s exactly what I needed upon graduation. It feels like a natural step to help me achieve my dreams of writing!”
In addition to one-on-one sessions with professional story editors, Khan and his fellow participants have also been given the opportunity to have online sessions with industry professionals who help give insight on entering the world of screenwriting.
“I would encourage any YU student or grad who’s interested in screenwriting to take a look into this program,” Khan urged. “It’s part time and solely online so you can participate remotely.”
The project Khan has been working to hone throughout the Emerging 20 program is The Last Samosa – a feature film inspired by his family upbringing within his local Pakistani community in the suburbs of London, Ontario.
It’s a film, he said, about community, family, and the age-old question: ‘Is unconditional love earned or just granted because it’s what’s expected?’
“I’ve used my experiences as a queer person growing up in this community and my love for campy, over the top films like Everything, Everywhere, All at Once and Bottoms to add a twist to a sort of traditional coming of age story,” he explained.
“It resulted in creating a film that’s about a group of twenty-somethings who have to ruin their youngest cousin’s traditional Pakistani wedding in order to save the world from an impending apocalyptic future.”
Before enrolling at Yorkville University, Khan – a self-described actor, writer, dramaturg and comedian – appeared in various theatre productions across Toronto, including Bend it Like Beckham: The Musical (Starvox Entertainment) and Blackout (Musical Stage Co.), as well as multiple TV and film projects, including Life with Luca (Shaftesbury) and 1Up (Lionsgate/Buzzfeed).
In pursuit of his other passion for sketch comedy, Khan has also written and starred in shows for Toronto Sketchfest and Toronto Fringe Festival, as well as cross multiple comedy venues in Toronto.
When he isn’t on stage or in front of a camera performing, Khan works as a dramaturg, and is currently assisting Stephen Colella at Young People’s Theatre on a new play development.
He also recently wrapped filming the upcoming Netflix show BET while doing the Emerging 20 Program.
“It’s really exciting! I’ve been able to pursue my passions for acting and writing this summer, all while finishing my degree,” he said. “It’s been a whirlwind, but I have learnt so much and definitely felt like I’ve grown as an artist!”
Khan encourages any YU students or alumni who have any questions about writing or the Emerging 20 Program to reach out to him on Instagram @ramikhan_
