2026: Hassam Qureshi – Even Dreams Require Blood (Short Film)

Hassam Qureshi is a Graphic Designer based in Lahore, Pakistan, currently working in a production house where he specializes in visual communication, branding, digital design, and creative content development. Alongside his design practice, he occasionally works as a photographer, exploring storytelling through both still imagery and digital media.

His creative interests lie in the relationship between design, culture, and human experience. Through his work, he seeks to create visual narratives that are not only aesthetically engaging but also meaningful and thought-provoking. Drawing inspiration from everyday life, social issues, and contemporary visual culture, he approaches each project with a focus on clarity, creativity, and emotional connection.

Hassam’s practice spans graphic design, photography, visual storytelling, and awareness-based creative projects. He is particularly interested in how design can encourage dialogue, foster empathy, and contribute to positive social change. His work reflects a commitment to using visual media as a tool for communication and engagement.

As an emerging creative professional, Hassam continues to explore new ideas, techniques, and forms of expression that bridge artistic exploration with practical design solutions.

Short Film: Even Dreams Require Blood

Some stories are not told through words alone. They exist in silent moments, unspoken wishes, and the emotions hidden behind a smile. This short film follows the journey of a young boy living with Thalassemia, a lifelong blood disorder that shapes the rhythm of his everyday life.

The story begins with the child watching other children play freely outdoors. From a distance, he imagines himself among them, sharing the same carefree experiences that define childhood. As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness his daily challenges, from managing his fragile health to pursuing simple dreams such as attending school, making friends, and participating in ordinary activities that many take for granted.

Alongside the boy’s journey, the film explores the emotional landscape of his family, whose lives revolve around hospital visits, uncertainty, and the constant search for compatible blood donors. Their quiet resilience reveals the strength required to navigate a condition that extends far beyond medical treatment.

A pivotal moment occurs after one of the boy’s routine transfusions. Physically exhausted and emotionally drained, he reflects not on what he wishes to become, but on what he hopes to keep—his chance to continue living, learning, and dreaming. This intimate realization forms the emotional heart of the film, inviting viewers into a reality that often remains unseen.

Through a visually driven narrative, the film presents Thalassemia through the eyes of a child, transforming personal experience into a shared human story. Rather than offering answers, it opens a space for reflection, empathy, and dialogue. By bringing hidden struggles into view, the film encourages audiences to look beyond the illness and connect with the hopes, fears, and aspirations of those whose lives depend on the compassion and support of others.

Hassam Qureshi