A Prayer for Father
Synopsis: A Prayer for Father is a heartwarming drama that explores the journey of Kammy, a young man in his early 20s, who is torn between his cultural heritage and personal beliefs. Kammy, a Scottish-Asian male with a Pakistani father and a Scottish mother, embarks on a path of self-discovery, struggling to reconcile two different worlds.
The story begins with Kammy's morning routine, where he quietly practises a unique form of prayer, torn between tradition and his personal connection to spirituality. His secret ritual is interrupted by his brother, who questions Kammy's devotion.
Throughout the film, Kammy grapples with the conflict of adhering to his family's expectations while staying true to his own beliefs. As he takes part in sorting his late father's clothing for charity, Kammy finds a poignant keepsake that triggers memories and emotions he's long suppressed. In a touching moment, Kammy is interrupted by his Uncle who says that he can teach Kammy about the way of Islam should he wish to learn. Kammy contemplates attending the mosque, a decision that sparks inner turmoil and anxiety.
Back at home, tensions reach a breaking point when Kammy realises his brother has taken his dads items. The ensuing argument forces Kammy to reveal his struggle to his family. His mother, upon realising the depth of his pain, stands firmly by his side, demanding acceptance and understanding from his brother.
As the film concludes, Kammy's mother drives him to the mosque, signifying her unwavering support. Meanwhile, Kammy's brother finds solace in their father's clothing, symbolising a newfound appreciation for their shared heritage and familial bonds.
A Prayer for Father is a moving exploration of identity, culture, and the power of family love, illustrating how one man's journey toward self-acceptance can inspire compassion and unity within a diverse family.
Director Biography - Jay Alexander Ali
Jay Alexander-Ali, is an actor and filmmaker from Dumfries and Galloway. He is from a mixed race - working class background, his mother Roman Catholic and father Muslim. Jay grew up in both sets of cultures and this is what led to his inspiration for his film.
Initially wanting to join the army as a teen he joined his local youth theatre programme at the Electric Theatre Workshop where he slowly rised and became an associate artist eventually working for the theatre. His love for acting and stage could be seen very early on. He fell in love with the idea of creating different characters and worlds he could play in. Slowly Jay realised that theatre is not just a place for creation but powerful storytelling that can have an impact on people's lives. This fascination of acting, theatre production and storytelling slowly made him more intrigued with the film world. This led Jay on to study media and production at the University of Salford, where he was able to learn the ins and outs of the film industry both on and off screen.
Since graduation Jay has carried on his passion,recently working with Director Jordan Hogg as a directors assistant for the Channel 4 prison drama “Screw” and starring in an Irn Bru commercial that was part of Scotland's Euros campaign.