After spending more than four decades working across nearly every corner of the Indian film industry, Ayub Z. Khan has reached a defining point in his career. Rather than chasing another commercial blockbuster, the veteran filmmaker is now focused on building the CineDreams International Film Festival into a meaningful platform for fresh and deserving talent.
According to Khan, the industry has become increasingly difficult for outsiders to enter. Therefore, through the festival, he hopes to create genuine opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, actors, writers, and technicians who often struggle to even step inside major production offices.
Moreover, Khan believes cinema should not only belong to established insiders. Instead, he wants passionate newcomers to have the same chance to showcase their creativity and vision.
Breaking the Industry’s Exclusive Circle
At the same time, Khan is openly critical of how many film festivals operate today. In his view, several events have shifted away from celebrating cinema and now focus more on publicity, influence, and financial gain.
He pointed out that many festivals organize screenings with very limited audiences while awards often go to those with stronger connections or financial backing. As a result, truly deserving creators are frequently overlooked.
Because of this growing frustration, the CineDreams International Film Festival was created with an entirely different philosophy.
Unlike many commercial festivals, CineDreams screens films from morning until late evening while offering free admission to audiences. In addition, refreshments are provided at no extra cost, making the experience more accessible for students, young filmmakers, and independent artists.
This year alone, the festival received submissions from 35 countries alongside several Indian regional films, further expanding its global and cultural reach.
Encouraging Learning Through World Cinema
Furthermore, Khan strongly believes filmmakers must expose themselves to cinema beyond their own language or region.
According to him, watching international films and reading literature helps artists develop stronger creative instincts and fresh storytelling perspectives. Otherwise, filmmakers risk becoming trapped within repetitive styles and predictable narratives.
For that reason, he actively encourages festival participants to attend multiple screenings rather than watching only their own projects.
He believes learning from world cinema is essential for growth. In his opinion, filmmakers who study diverse storytelling techniques are far more likely to create original and emotionally engaging content in the future.
A Strong Critique of Formula-Driven Storytelling
Meanwhile, Khan also expressed disappointment with the repetitive nature of mainstream entertainment.
He questioned whether modern commercial films are truly offering audiences anything new. According to him, several big-budget productions continue recycling familiar political conflicts and predictable formulas without adding originality or emotional depth.
As a result, the CineDreams International Film Festival has positioned itself as a space that supports independent cinema, experimental storytelling, and regional voices that rarely receive mainstream theatrical exposure.
More importantly, Khan wants filmmakers to feel confident taking creative risks instead of constantly following industry formulas.
Honoring Forgotten Legends of Indian Cinema
Another deeply emotional aspect of the festival is Khan’s effort to honor legendary contributors from Uttar Pradesh whose impact on Indian cinema has gradually faded from public memory.
At both the Bombay and Lucknow editions, he introduced awards named after iconic personalities whose work helped shape the foundation of Hindi cinema.
The list includes celebrated names like K. Asif, Naushad, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Munshi Premchand, and Rahi Masoom Raza.
Additionally, awards were also dedicated to legends such as Nargis Dutt, Prakash Mehra, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Khan believes today’s generation has slowly forgotten many of these pioneers despite the industry continuing to benefit from their contributions.
Supporting Newcomers Beyond the Festival
Alongside the festival, Khan’s production company CineDream Films LLP is also moving forward with a new Hindi film titled Shubh Sangam.
Interestingly, the project will reportedly feature double roles and introduce fresh performers from Uttar Pradesh. Once again, the initiative reflects the same philosophy driving the CineDreams International Film Festival — creating opportunities for overlooked talent rather than relying entirely on established stars.
Khan believes newcomers often bring unmatched passion, originality, and determination into the industry. However, without proper guidance and exposure, many talented individuals never get the opportunity they deserve.
Why Recognition Matters for Emerging Artists
At the same time, Khan emphasized how important recognition can be for someone entering the entertainment industry for the first time.
According to him, aspiring artists arrive with unique ideas, dreams, and creative perspectives. However, presenting that work before experienced professionals can help them understand whether their vision is truly connecting with audiences.
Consequently, even a single screening at the CineDreams International Film Festival could become a life-changing opportunity for a young filmmaker.
Khan explained that if even five individuals manage to secure work because of the festival, he would consider the initiative a success. For him, improving lives through cinema carries far greater meaning than simply generating headlines or industry buzz.
Taking CineDreams International Film Festival Global
Looking ahead, Khan is now preparing to expand the festival internationally.
He plans to organize future editions in Dubai with additional screenings in Sharjah. This expansion would allow participation from filmmakers across Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, and several other countries.
According to Khan, such collaborations can help Indian creators better understand global cinema trends while also building stronger cultural connections through storytelling.
Additionally, the international edition would create opportunities for technicians, actors, writers, and filmmakers from different nations to interact and collaborate creatively.
A Festival Built on Opportunity and Hope
Ultimately, the CineDreams International Film Festival is not just another entertainment event. Instead, it represents Ayub Z. Khan’s long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for people who have traditionally remained outside the industry’s inner circle.
At a time when mainstream cinema is often dominated by familiar names and repetitive formulas, Khan is trying to build a platform where creativity, learning, and passion matter again.
As the festival continues growing across India and internationally, it may soon emerge as one of the most important independent spaces for fresh cinematic voices.
And for Khan, that journey begins with a simple but powerful goal — giving deserving people the chance he believes they truly deserve.
