Burroughs Sophomore Headed to Film Festival in Qatar

Special to the Ladue-Frontenac Patch from the John Burroughs Communications Department, reprinted with permission.

Faraz Ahmad, a sophomore at John Burroughs School, will travel to Doha, Qatar, in April to participate with high school students from around the world in the THIMUN (The Hague International Model United Nations) Qatar Northwestern Film Festival. Ahmad’s film, Battles with Food, has been nominated for Best Story, Best Picture, Best Sound and Best Editing in the festival, which serves as a platform for young people worldwide to create advocacy films on local or global issues.

In producing the 8-minute film, which explores the various struggles that people have with food, Ahmad interviewed a therapist, a doctor at an eating disorder clinic and a guidance counselor. He also filmed conversations with girls who struggle with eating disorders and a formerly overweight individual, all of whom provided personal insights into how their struggles with food have affected their everyday lives.

Ahmad, at a lean 135 pounds, says he’s interested in the topic because of his personal battle with food. He says, “When I was younger, I struggled with weight issues, and many people may have considered me obese, if not extremely overweight. I wanted to see what others had to say about this issue.” He says a second reason he decided to broach the topic was that a couple of his friends have eating disorders. “I’ve seen the way it affects them, so I wanted to raise awareness and educate others on the topic.”

Ahmad, who has always loved being behind the camera, says the experience of producing Battles with Food provided a first-hand view of how eating disorders can affect the lives of the patient as well as friends and family. In making the film, he says he learned a lot about patience and organization.

This year’s festival from April 11 through 13 will include seminars, personal discussion with leading filmmakers and media personalities, numerous cultural activities and a gala awards evening. Nominees are awarded flight to and accommodations in Doha.

Included is Fraz' U-Tube video.