Zenofar Fathima, who is a Dubai based filmmaker, actress and CEO of her production house Zen Film Productions has now produced 7 short films during the pandemic. The year 2020- though met with uncertainty- gave Zenofar an opportunity to create cinematic content that not only interests the general public, but also resonates with them on a deeper level. As a result, Zenofar conceptualized short films like Hope, a narrative focusing on suicidal ideation and depression during COVID-19, Tomorrow Never Came, a tribute to doctors and frontliners fighting the current as well as past pandemics or epidemics, and The Wave, which highlighted the potential aftermath of failing to take precautions against COVID-19.  

With the introduction of several short films this year amidst the pandemic, Zenofar Fathima, Dubai based filmmaker, actress and CEO of Zen Film Productions is now prepared to end the year on a high note with the December release of her latest cinematic venture, titled Checkmate. The film will mark the inception of her newest and first web series, The Ouija Series, with its first episode, titled Checkmate. 

Checkmate follows the story of a woman, played by Zenofar, afflicted by unfavorable circumstances. Convinced that she has lost out on every opportunity to turn her life around, she comes vis-a-vis with an omniscient being who guarantees her a one way ticket to success. While Checkmate will focus on delivering an exhilarating edge-of-the-seat narrative, Zenofar’s signature element of social awareness will also be seen in the 20 minute episode. “Checkmate- like my other films- will encompass a parable type element to teach the people something that could very easily happen in their own lives. That has always been how we engage our audiences. Because when something resonates with you, it will always reel you in. This includes movies, books, plays, anything ”, says Zenofar. The Ouija Series in its entirety will focus on the supernatural as well as the infamous spirit board, while also delving into the psychological horror genre. 

Checkmate is exclusively premiering on Zee TV (Channel 259 on Etisalat and Channel 294 on Du) and Zee Cinema Middle East (Channel 676 on Etisalat and Channel 179 on Du) on December 26th and 27th at 11PM, respectively. The following Ouija Series episodes will star both local and Bollywood talents, and can be expected to be released on an exclusive OTT platform.