08. The Ties That Bind: Collective Healing, Familial Vulnerability, & Unspoken Truths in 'Heaven Knows What', 'Rachel Getting Married', and 'SONYA'

A love letter from Saman Hasan to "Heaven Knows What" (2014), "Rachel Getting Married" (2008), and her upcoming film SONYA

Dear Heaven Knows What & Rachel Getting Married, mon amour,

You resonate with me as a storyteller and a woman profoundly influenced by the experiences of others. My journey as a social worker in Austin, Texas, at a young age thrust me into the raw and often brutal realities faced by young heroin addicts, individuals navigating a world rife with stigma and silence. Coming from a sheltered upbringing in Saudi Arabia during a conservative ruling period, as a Pakistani Muslim, I was woefully unprepared for the stark honesty these individuals revealed—their stories of addiction, yearning, and the relentless struggle for redemption.

In many ways, their pain mirrored my own, yet I had never touched heroin. How could that be? As I reflect now, nearly 13 years later, I realize that the connection lay not in the substance but in our shared humanity—our existence as interconnected souls. When one of us struggles, we all struggle. I felt this early on, even amidst the confines of my sheltered community, where I witnessed the silent battles of women adhering to rigid social constructs, fearing retribution if they strayed. I saw the laborers dehumanized for a pittance, their dignity stripped away in the pursuit of survival.

This landscape is fraught with the issues of patriarchy, where consequences of mental health, addiction, and trauma are often shrouded in silence, muted to protect reputations that should not overshadow the truth. In SONYA, a short film that you drew me to create, I seek to illuminate these realities, unraveling the complexities of love and pain that bind us. Through my protagonist Minal’s journey, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the unspoken struggles many endure, emphasizing that vulnerability is not a weakness but a shared strength.

You offer unflinching portrayals of trauma, exploring the root causes of pain and the human yearning for connection. These narratives remind me that love and suffering can coexist, and that beneath the surface of family gatherings lie complexities often left unexamined. You remind me that my commitment to these narratives reflects my dedication to addressing themes that resonate within our communities, highlighting intricate family dynamics and the struggles we all face.

In SONYA, I aim to navigate these turbulent waters, allowing audiences to witness the delicate interplay of joy and sorrow, connection and estrangement. I wrote SONYA to explore the intricate tapestry of family dynamics, love, and the haunting shadows of past struggles. We see Minal returning to her affluent family home for her sister Sidra's wedding after years of estrangement due to her addiction. This journey is not just a physical re-entry but a courageous confrontation with the emotional landscape that has shaped her identity. The vibrant wedding festivities provide a rich backdrop where unresolved conflicts and hidden truths collide, illuminating the complexities of sisterhood and the heavy burden of unspoken pain. Through Minal’s story, I aim to highlight the struggles that often remain in the shadows, inviting viewers to reflect on the power of reconciliation and the resilience of love.

The characters in SONYA are not mere figments of imagination; they embody the voices of those who feel unseen. There is a scene in this film where Minal's confrontation with her sister Sana serves as a catalyst for unraveling long-buried resentments, echoing the real-life struggles many families face when dealing with hidden truths. The question lingers: will they uphold their carefully curated image, or will they finally confront the secrets that threaten to shatter their façade?

You nudge me to remember that through my work, I aspire to inspire dialogue and foster understanding, making my voice a vital part of contemporary storytelling. And you validate that fiction is not merely a playground for imagination; it’s a powerful lens through which I explore the often unspoken truths of human experience.

Ultimately, you are a testament to the beauty that can emerge from pain, illustrating that even in the most challenging circumstances, there is potential for understanding and growth. As I reflect on my own experiences and the stories that have shaped my worldview, I recognize the importance of giving voice to the silenced narratives within my community. 

SONYA, too seeks to honor those experiences, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of love, family, and the enduring quest for redemption. I hope to open a dialogue about the issues that are often left unspoken, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the struggles many face in their pursuit of connection and healing. As we navigate this intricate journey together, I invite audiences to reflect on their own family dynamics and the unspoken truths that shape them.

Love,
Saman Hasan

About Saman

Saman Hasan, is a writer, actor, and producer based in New York City. Currently in pre-production on SONYA, her debut short film was created as a proof of concept for a feature. She serves as a Producer on SONYA, alongside Ishq Pradhan and Executive Producer May Calamawy. She is also proud to be a producer on PORTRAIT, a project written and directed by Ishq Pradhan. Alongside SONYA, she is working on several other short films that aim to tell authentic stories and shed light on the complexities of life.