Watching a film in the cinema is usually a seamless experience—until the screen suddenly goes black, leaving you wondering what just happened. Imagine if that blackout wasn’t a technical glitch but a deliberate choice because the film simply wasn’t finished yet. That’s the bold concept behind Final Draft. It’s not just a film but an invitation for the audience to feel the creator’s frustration firsthand.

As a filmmaker, I’ve always been drawn to the chaos of post-production. It’s the stage where everything can shift—sometimes by 180 degrees—and nothing is ever quite certain. With Final Draft, I wanted to explore the unpredictable nature of filmmaking, particularly from the editor’s perspective.

The film contrasts two worlds: what happens on screen and the messy reality behind it. I highlighted this contrast through different creative choices—aspect ratios, color grading, and even acting styles, to remind the audience that behind every beautiful frame lies a whole lot of sleepless nights, overdue invoices, last-minute deadlines, and endless frustration.

At the heart of the story is Ciko, a film editor caught in the crossfire between a demanding director and a stressed-out producer. The plot thickens when the director secretly instructs Ciko to cut out the lead actor, a move that directly defies the investor’s request. As tensions escalate, Ciko must navigate conflicting demands, all while trying to maintain his sanity.

The film also introduces a cast of characters who each face the same problem in different ways: an editor, a director, a producer, a client, and her two assistants. Watching how each of them responds brings humor and relatability to the narrative.

My own journey into this story was shaped by my experience as an editor over the past four years. After not directing a short film since 2020, I found myself immersed in countless stories on editing timelines. But it wasn’t just the stories that intrigued mee, it was the wild dynamics of working with directors, producers, and especially clients.

One client, in particular, left an unforgettable mark. They requested that I change a character’s appearance from normal hair to a burqa—purely through editing. It was absurd, frustrating, and, in hindsight, oddly comedic. Moments like these, though painful, often have a strange, meme-worthy humor.

This blend of absurdity and reality became the foundation for Final Draft. Filmmaking is messy, chaotic, and unpredictable. But that’s also what makes it fun—like a rollercoaster ride you didn’t quite sign up for but can’t help but enjoy.

Through this film, I hope to take the audience on that ride, offering a glimpse into the madness of filmmaking. Whether you’re a director, an editor, or just here for the popcorn, there’s a story within Final Draft that you can relate to.