Tarique Qayumi
Director • DGC • MFA (UCLA)
Agent: Courtney Bainbridge • Meridian Artists
+1 416 961 2777 • info@meridianartists.com
ABOUT
Tarique Qayumi's dramatic escape from Afghanistan, hidden in the back of the truck with his mother, inspired him to be a storyteller. He was part of the 2023 Warner Access x Academy Directing Program, enabling him to direct on CBC's Allegiance.
His second feature, "Black Kite," a historical drama blending animation, documentary, and live-action, premiered at TIFF in 2017, screened at 20 festivals, and won three Leo Awards for Best Writer, Best Direction, and Best Picture. It was sold to Amazon Studios.
Qayumi recently completed his third feature film, Conceiving Clara, in partnership with Telefilm. His TV series pitch, "Kabul Kitchen," won the Creator of Colour Incubator at TIFF '21 and received pre-development funding from CBC. This year, he returned as a mentor at Whistler Film Festival Screenwriting Labs.
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Qayumi loves working with actors and is grateful to his mentor, Judith Weston. He also found shooting his short film, Mara’s World, on a virtual production stage rewarding.
Early in his career, Qayumi worked on popular TV shows in Afghanistan, including Truth Unveiled, The Defenders, and Sesame Street, significantly impacting local culture.
Recent Film / TV Work
Allegiance
A star rookie police officer must grapple with the limits of the justice system as she fights to exonerate her politician father and serve her diverse hometown of Surrey.
CBC Season 02 Episode 09
Conceiving Clara
Clara (42), a midwife, helps many women give birth but cannot bear a child. Under pressure from her mother-in-law, she undergoes IVF treatment. The complications lead her to choose between her life and the baby's. Finally, she cannot connect with the baby and must find love in her daughter.
Canadian Film Festival 2025
Black KIte
Premiered at Toronto International Festival and played at 20 festivals around the world. Winner of three Leo Awards for Best Writer, Best Director, and Best Picture. Nominated for Canadian Screen Award for Best Composer.
Toronto International Film Festival 2017
In the Know
Selected Media Stories
June 29, 2023
Playback Online
July 10, 2021
Out of 1500 entries, Qayumi's short script placed 2nd winning $10,000 in production funds.
July 3, 2018
Georgia Straight
Sept 6th, 2017
Q with Tom Power, CBC Radio
Contact
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