Doctor Zee’s New Film ‘Possession of Mara’ won the Best Actress Award in Lulea International Film Festival in Sweden. Best Actress Aubrey Bence.
Independent cinema thrives when filmmakers take risks, blend cultural perspectives, and tell stories that challenge traditional narratives. One of the most compelling examples of this vision is the work of Doctor Zee, the San Francisco based filmmaker whose career has transformed from medicine to motion pictures. His latest project, Possession of Mara, has already begun to make waves on the global stage. At the prestigious Lulea International Film Festival in Sweden, the film won the Best Actress Award, honoring Aubrey Bence for her remarkable performance.
This achievement not only highlights the power of a single performance but also places Doctor Zee’s creative vision firmly in the spotlight. For fans of independent cinema and for audiences seeking films that push boundaries, this recognition marks an important milestone.
From Medicine to Movies
Doctor Zee, born Hassan Zee, grew up in Pakistan where his early career path was not filmmaking but medicine. As a young physician working in the burn unit of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, he treated women who were victims of bride burning. These experiences shaped his worldview and instilled in him a desire to tell stories about resilience, survival, and the human spirit.
Shifting from the practice of medicine to directing films may seem like an unusual leap, but for Doctor Zee it was a natural transition. Both professions deal with healing and humanity. His work as a filmmaker became a new way to bring attention to issues of injustice, identity, and cultural conflict. Over time, he established himself as a respected figure in the world of film, particularly in independent cinema circles in San Francisco.
A Filmmaker with a Purpose
Doctor Zee’s films often explore themes of cultural identity, personal freedom, and empowerment. His early feature Night of Henna examined the tension between tradition and personal choice, while Bicycle Bride offered a lighter, comedic but heartfelt take on cultural clashes. House of Temptation delved into psychological horror, while Good Morning Pakistan raised provocative questions about gender and societal norms. His storytelling balances entertainment with social commentary, allowing viewers to enjoy engaging narratives while also reflecting on important issues.
The Story of Possession of Mara
Possession of Mara, Doctor Zee’s latest film, stands out as both a horror and a deeply emotional story. The film begins with a young man Christopher (Alec Barnett) saving a woman Mara (Aubrey Bence) from a suicide attempt near the Golden Gate Bridge. This act of compassion leads him into a world of mystery and terror, as the woman is revealed to be haunted by an ancient and vengeful spirit.
Aubrey Bence, who delivers the award-winning performance, portrays Mara with intensity and vulnerability. Her character embodies the struggle between personal trauma and external forces that attempt to control her body and spirit. The film has been described as reminiscent of classics like Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist, yet it carries its own unique cultural voice by introducing audiences to the concept of Iblis, a supernatural entity rooted in Middle Eastern mythology.
The combination of psychological tension, supernatural horror, and social commentary gives of Mara an edge that has resonated with critics.
The Broader Impact of Possession of Mara
The impact of Possession of Mara goes beyond entertainment. At its heart, the film is about autonomy, trauma, and resilience. By framing these themes within a supernatural horror, Doctor Zee ensures that the story appeals to both genre enthusiasts and socially conscious viewers.
The film’s exploration of the female body, control, and spiritual struggle resonates deeply in today’s cultural climate, where issues of bodily autonomy are frequently debated. This makes the story not only relevant but also urgent. The award for Aubrey Bence is a recognition of her ability to bring these issues to life on screen in a way that feels authentic and emotionally powerful.
Availability on Streaming Platforms
For fans eager to explore Doctor Zee’s body of work, accessibility is a key advantage. Many of his films are available as Free Movies on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime. Apple TV and Roku. Through Tubi, audiences can watch his previous titles without cost, bringing independent cinema directly into living rooms around the world.
By visiting www.doczeefilms.com, viewers can learn more about his projects, upcoming releases, and personal journey as a filmmaker. For those who want to dive straight into his catalogue, the Tubi profile link at https://tubitv.com/person/6d4bcc/hassan-zee provides direct access to his films.
