Cast and crew of Cotton Dreams written by Shireen Pyanee (floral jacket) and produced by Lisa-Marie Pyanee (blue dress).
Image: Supplied
Durban mom and daughter, Shireen and Lisa-Marie Pyanee, are "taking it all in", following the success of Cotton Dreams, a short film, recently featured at the Joburg Film Festival.
Speaking to IOL, Lisa-Marie said her mom wrote the script which brings to light the inspiring narrative of a young fashion designer whose dreams clash with her mother's traditional values.
"We were inspired by real-life stories of women who have had to fight for their independence in a world that often limits their choices. Gender-based violence is a major issue in our communities, and I wanted to use storytelling as a way to shed light on this reality while also showing that hope and change are possible. Fashion, as an art form, felt like the perfect medium to explore themes of self-expression, freedom, and breaking free," Lisa-Marie said.
From the start, Cotton Dreams needed to be authentic, she added.
"I focused on casting actors who could bring depth and truth to the characters. We worked with a strong team that shared our passion for the story," she said.
Lisa-Marie collaborated with the acclaimed Darrell James Roodt - something she believes "was an incredible learning experience."
"His direction helped elevate the film’s emotional impact. Having the opportunity to work with him was truly a career highlight for me. I also wanted Durban’s visual landscape to play a key role in the film’s aesthetic, so we carefully selected locations that complemented the story’s mood and themes," she said.
Despite not winning at the JFF, Lisa-Marie said it was her first film showing at the prestigious film event and the recognition itself is meaningful, and it has inspired her to continue creating stories that matter and challenge boundaries.
"The JFF is a platform that celebrates a wide range of diverse voices, so having Cotton Dreams featured here is incredibly significant. Cotton Dreams was one of three films selected from KZN, all of which were funded by KZN Tourism and Film. This is a testament to the invaluable support we receive from the region in helping bring these stories to a wider audience," she added.
Cotton Dreams was Lisa-Marie Pyanee's debut film at the Joburg Film Fest
Image: Supplied
Lisa-Marie said the response to Cotton Dreams has been amazing.
"I’m truly grateful for the support. People have shared how deeply they connected with the story, especially how the film highlights gender-based violence in such an authentic way. What’s also been rewarding is the positive feedback on the film’s production quality, especially considering the budget constraints we faced. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that Cotton Dreams is making an emotional impact and contributing to important conversations around these issues," she said.
With seven years industry experience, Lisa-Marie said Cotton Dreams is her biggest project to date.
"I started as a television editor before transitioning to producing, and each experience along the way has been a valuable learning opportunity. I continue to grow and evolve with every project I create," she added.
Pyanee says collaborating with the acclaimed Darrell James Roodt was an incredible learning experience
Image: Supplied
What drives Lisa-Marie? Story-telling. "I believe films have the ability to inspire change, spark important conversations, and give a voice to those who are often unheard. When I see audiences connect with my work, it reminds me of the impact storytelling can have. The recognition I’ve received so far has also been incredibly encouraging, reaffirming that the stories I tell are meaningful," she said.
Lisa-Marie has already set her sights on her next project.
"I also want to push the boundaries of storytelling by experimenting with new visual styles and narratives. Representing KZN on bigger platforms remains a goal, and I hope to see my work reach even more international audiences in the future," she added.
The budding film producer said she is grateful to KZN Tourism & Film for believing in Cotton Dreams.
"They have been instrumental in nurturing local filmmakers through initiatives, funding opportunities, and platforms that allow us to tell our stories. This kind of support doesn’t just help filmmakers, it boosts the local economy by creating jobs, developing skills, and promoting tourism. The more films produced here, the stronger KZN’s position becomes in the industry, attracting even more investment and opportunities," she said.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL
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