iBFF [Panel Discussion] UNTRODDEN NARRATIVES : Away from Adrenaline

Untrodden Narratives: Away from AdrenalineIn a media landscape often driven by adrenaline, action, and familiar tropes, what are the quieter, untold stories waiting to emerge? This panel discussion, moderated by veteran media practitioner Mohamed Ali, invites audiences into a reflective conversation with three distinctive voices in Singapore’s Indian filmmaking community: Aarti Agarwal, Gibu George, and Abbas Akbar.

Together, they will share their personal journeys and creative choices — what compels them to tell the stories they do, and the challenges they face in navigating beyond clichés and cultural expectations. Are there narratives still lying dormant, waiting for courageous storytellers to bring them to life?

Conducted in English, this session welcomes all, regardless of ethnicity or background, to engage in a deeper conversation about representation, nuance, and the evolution of Indian stories in Singapore. A rare glimpse into the heart of storytelling — honest, unfiltered, and deeply human.

MODERATED BY: Mohamed Ali

Mohamed Ali is a veteran media practitioner from Singapore with over 30 years of experience in broadcasting and television production. He is the Creative Head of TheMedia, an independent production house that creates television content for various networks across Asia.

He also serves as a corporate trainer at Nanyang Technological University, where he teaches Advanced Negotiation Skills for Business. Mohamed brings a unique blend of creative leadership and strategic insight to his work, especially in the evolving media landscape. An astute observer of AI disruptions in broadcasting, Mohamed views Generative Intelligence as a tool—not a replacement—for creativity. He encourages producers and content creators to explore the possibilities of AI with curiosity and openness, integrating it into storytelling rather than resisting it.

Panelist 1

Aarti Agarwal is a multi-talented filmmaker, educator, and leader in Singapore's creative community. She crafts emotionally resonant short and feature films under Shinz Productions and empowers future storytellers through her school’s hands-on, flexible programs—all while earning glowing accolades from her students and peers.

Panelist 2

Gibu George is an Indian actor, theatre artist, model and Writer who works in Malayalam film industry. He made his Malayalam feature film debut in the 2021 movie ‘Grahanam’, becoming the first Singapore Malayalee introduced to the Malayalam film industry in a male lead role. Gibu is known for portraying the lead role of Aadi in Singapore-made English short ‘The Wheel’, which earned him wide acclaim's, including the Best Actor Award in Barcelona International Film Festival(LHIIF) Spain, making him the first Singapore Malayalee actor to win the title.

Panelist 3

Abbas Akbar, founder of Comicbook Entertainment, is a seasoned filmmaker with over two decades of experience in both scripted and unscripted formats. He is the only Singaporean to have directed a feature film in India—an achievement that marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s film industry. Abbas began his storytelling journey with the cult short film Certain Chapters and went on to create a string of hit shows for Mediacorp Vasantham, including Vettai (2011), Nijangal (2012), Kshatriyan (2014), Kalaba Kadhala (2018), and the award-winning Pitham Kaniya (2022). He is currently starring in his next feature film and is simultaneously developing his second directorial feature.