Magid / Zafar (2025)

-Written by Zach Troxel.

In Magid / Zafar, we focus on the main character of Magid. The audience follows a complicated yet intriguing story full of pain, love, and potentially regret. 

Magid / Zafar is beautifully crafted. The chaos ensues early on, and the short film starts with an exhilarating sequence. The stylistic choices create a sense of whiplash for the audience. It fits perfectly with the exact emotions of the main character Magid, played by Eben Figueiredo. We feel that Magid is experiencing a big life decision and or event. We only find out the truth later, which creates an amount of suspense that effectively ropes the viewers in right from the beginning. 

This film gets some truly great performances out of our lead characters in Magid and Zafar. Zafar, played by Gurjeet Singh, is significant to this project. By the time he is on screen and we begin to experience the chemistry between the two, the short film is elevated into a new territory. Intelligently, the director understands the chemistry that he has between the actors and decides to utilize it to its fullest potential. 

Magid / Zafar is a fast paced, roller coaster ride of emotions. However, with that being said, that leads to the film's few flaws (but also its many strengths). Diving into the flaws, especially early on the whiplash feeling is more than the quick camera movements, it comes from the setup of the conflict. There is so much going on that it is difficult to follow the side characters and the emotional tension going on subtly. 

The positives take place in the heart of the story. Magid is dealing with a major and very personal life change. Clearly this is affecting his psyche in a conflicting manner. Magid / Zafar dives into those emotions and builds a stellar relationship between Magid and Zafar. Zafar is battling with the potential of losing his best friend in Magid due to this change. However, one of the biggest strengths that this film has is the incredible twist in the final minutes that ties this masterpiece together. It’s a huge swing, and it ultimately works. 

Also, this movie is built around an amazing score that fits the tones perfectly. The final climax is one of the biggest and best payoffs for an emotional build up full of confusing tension. The casting in the film also feels perfect. We are thrown into a story that is already being developed, and due to the chemistry among all of the actors, we are able to catch up and step right in. Magid / Zafar deserves any and all praise, as it is a masterfully crafted piece of art and storytelling to its finest. 

Magid / Zafar is a wonderful piece of cinema. The emotional impact coming from this story is magnificent. The performances are outstanding across the board. Within a short runtime, Director Luís Hindman is able to take a simple premise to a level that is truly remarkable. This film takes you through multiple stages of grief. Ultimately, our characters land on acceptance. 

Directed by Luis Hindman.

Written by Luis Hindman & Sufiyaan Salam.

Starring Eben Figueiredo & Gurjeet Singh.

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING