Q&A with Filmmakers Usman Ally
Usman Ally
Usman Ally’s short film Emigre/Americana was Jury Nominated for Best Short Film Over 15 Minutes at the Palm Springs International ShortFest and won the Audience Choice Award at DC Shorts. As a writer, his feature script Mimi and Saad: An American Love Story scored highly on the Black List, earning critical praise. As an actor, Usman is known for his work on Veep and Suits, and he has been a New York and Chicago stage veteran for over 15 years, winning numerous awards.
This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker
Q&A series
What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?
The inspiration for Émigré/Americana comes from a personal experience I had about ten years ago. I was riding the subway when a woman began verbally attacking me — calling me names and threatening to have me deported. What struck me most wasn’t only her words, but the silence of the people around me. I felt completely isolated, trapped in that train car, and dehumanized in a way that stayed with me for years. I began to wonder: what if someone had stepped in? That thought opened up a much larger set of questions for me — about the dynamics of white saviorism and the saved, about privilege and vulnerability, and how those roles are portrayed in Hollywood vs how they might play out in real life. In the film, both characters essentially need each other: one to be seen as the savior, and the other to be seen as worth saving. That tension complicates their relationship and reflects a deeper truth about power, perception, and privilege, Émigré/Americana is rooted in those questions. It’s about resilience, but also about the messy, complicated space where human connection and systemic inequities collide. I wanted to create something that forces audiences to consider not only the cruelty of racism, but also the complicity in silence.
What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?
Well, for starters I hope people feel invested in these characters and want to see the feature film version! This short film is the prelude to the feature where we follow all of these characters over a 5 year period, as they navigate their relationship in an increasingly hostile and divided America.
What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?
Budget! Shooting anything in LA is grossly overpriced and expensive. It's a really big point of contention for independent filmmakers in California.
Tell us an anecdote about casting or working with your actors.
Mouzam Makkar has a great moment playing Pooja where she goes into a monologue about her life story. A couple of times in rehearsal she would perform it while crying, and it was moving and beautiful, but it wasn't right. I wanted Pooja to be a powerhouse, who opens up in a way that she ordinarily would not, and I find the act of fighting tears far more affecting than actually crying. So, we talked it over and really worked on holding off until she can't anymore, and then just hating the fact that a tear comes out, and wiping it away. I cannot wait for you to see that moment. It's beautiful and powerful.
Were there any films or directors that influenced your approach to this project?
A lot of Spike Lee, particularly the music and how it pushes us through a story. I also listened to a lot of Mira Nair talking about shooting on a small budget.
What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?
Ive been an actor for over 18 years now. I've spent a lot of time on stage, and on screen, but I've always loved crafting an entire story. Directing has come naturally to me, and I've always enjoyed writing. I think real change comes from more representation behind the camera. This is what I'm hoping to do!
What’s the last film you watched?
Longlegs!
What’s the last book you read?
King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild!
This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series