Cinder Block Films announced that Razan Saylami will serve as Production Designer for the upcoming feature film Dare To Run, based on the best-selling book by Amit Sheth. The film explores resilience, transformation, and the human spirit through one man's journey from a Mumbai beach to completing the Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa.
As Production Designer, Saylami will craft the visual identity of Dare To Run, translating the story's emotional and spiritual depth into cinematic form. Her vision will bridge Mumbai's intimate personal spaces with the sweeping grandeur of international marathon landscapes, creating an immersive world that draws audiences into Amit and Neepa Sheth's journey of endurance and self-discovery.
Saylami's approach emphasizes authenticity, atmosphere, and emotional resonance. Through extensive research, location studies, and collaboration with the creative team—including Director Advait Dewasthalee, Director of Photography Siddharth Chawla, Editor Tanay Shah, and Producer Sehran Khan—she will shape the film's visual narrative to reflect both physical struggle and personal awakening.
Cinder Block Films, an independent production company committed to cinematic excellence and transformative storytelling, has developed a reputation for nurturing visually ambitious projects. The company's portfolio reflects dedication to authenticity and creative artistry, with each film designed to challenge boundaries and spark global conversations.
Dare To Run represents a flagship project for the company, adapting Amit Sheth's acclaimed memoir to explore universal themes of perseverance and inner growth. The production brings together passionate filmmakers and internationally recognized talent, aiming to deliver an emotional journey that resonates across audiences and cultures.
In her role, Saylami will translate the book's philosophical core into a sensory, cinematic world through close collaboration with director Advait Dewasthalee, producer Sehran Khan, and director of photography Siddharth Chawla. She will oversee the transformation of spaces, environments, and moods, ensuring every frame reflects the complexity and spirit of the source material.
According to Executive Producer Shreya Jha, "Cinder Block Films is driven by a vision to unite story and artistry on an international stage. Razan's creative insight and collaborative spirit bring unparalleled depth to Dare To Run, allowing us to honor the realities of the journey while inspiring viewers to imagine the possibilities within themselves."
This appointment matters because production design fundamentally shapes how audiences experience film adaptations, particularly those based on deeply personal memoirs. Saylami's focus on authenticity ensures the visual representation will honor the cultural and emotional realities of Sheth's journey from Mumbai to South Africa.
The film industry increasingly recognizes that authentic visual storytelling requires designers who understand cultural context and emotional nuance. Saylami's appointment signals Cinder Block Films' commitment to this principle, potentially influencing how future adaptations approach visual authenticity.
For readers familiar with Sheth's book, the film's visual approach will determine how effectively the cinematic version captures the memoir's emotional landscape. The collaboration between Saylami and the creative team suggests a thoughtful translation from page to screen that respects both the story's intimacy and its epic scale.
This production reinforces the growing importance of independent film companies in adapting culturally significant stories with artistic integrity. As streaming platforms and traditional studios seek authentic content, projects like Dare To Run demonstrate how specialized production companies can bring nuanced stories to global audiences.
The film's exploration of universal themes through a specific cultural journey has potential to resonate beyond sports cinema, contributing to broader conversations about perseverance and human connection. Saylami's visual interpretation will play a crucial role in making these themes accessible to diverse viewers worldwide.
