Inspired by the book, Seeing Life Through a Different Lens, this docuseries is heartwarming and inspiring and follows the lives of seven BIPOC creatives with visual disabilities, hearing impairments, and chronic illnesses. Through their stories of resilience, community service, education, and nutrition, the series showcases their unwavering spirit and determination to overcome challenges, while shedding light on the impact on their mental health.
Retinoblastoma kills 7,000 young ones each year and blinds many more.
In developing countries like the U.S., the cure is over 96%, but most children experience moderate, severe, or complete vision loss. the mortality rate in Africa is 70%. In all cases of intraocular and extraocular retinoblastoma, there is a need for new therapies that are more effective and carry less risk of toxicity. The Bruckner test is a practical and easy test for detecting Retinoblastoma. This test assesses the fundus reflex through the pupil (red reflex) in both eyes simultaneously with a bright coaxial light produced with the direct ophthalmoscope. Globally, children, families, and survivors experience lifelong emotional trauma.
Due to the lack of tools for detection, thousands of children die around the world each year. The improvements we can achieve in life and vision survival remain unrealized due to unequal access to quality cancer care and professional development opportunities, the challenges rarity poses to research, and the divide between professional knowledge and lived experience.
Inspired by the book, Seeing Life Through a Different Lens, this docuseries is heartwarming and inspiring and follows the lives of six BIPOC creatives with visual disabilities, hearing impairments, and chronic illnesses. Through their stories of resilience, community service, education, and nutrition, the series showcases their unwavering spirit and determination to overcome challenges, while shedding light on the impact on their mental health.
The book, written by mom and daughter, explores the profound impact of childhood cancers and their secondary situations on mental health, emphasizing the crucial role of community support and holistic nutrition in the healing journey. The upcoming documentary series is slated to bring these inspiring stories to a broader audience, to foster understanding, empathy, and support for those affected.
As survivors of childhood cancer, they’ve transformed their adversities into strengths, proving that life’s most difficult challenges can foster creativity, resilience, and success. Beyond the individual stories, the series also explores how community support and holistic nutrition can play a crucial role in the healing process. It demonstrates the power of collective resilience and the healing properties of proper nutrition.
About the Director/Producer:
Zaakirah (zaa-key-ra) Nayyar Muhammad (she/her), is a brand strategist, a retinoblastoma childhood eye cancer survivor, and a TEDx speaker. At 6 months old, a camera saved her life. At 9 months old, she was taken into surgery to have her right eye removed due to a rare childhood eye cancer tumor that was detected by a photo her mom took. Her hearing slowly began to decline as she got older, but her other three senses kicked in and are functioning well.
At age five her mom gifted her with her first camera. She received her first digital camera in middle school. Her first job while being a summer camp counselor was as the newsletter editor. By the time she attended technical high school, she studied commercial photography. She never strayed too far from her purpose in life. Later on, she moved to Washington D.C. to expand her education in professional photography and videography at Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts. She has produced and edited a dozen independent documentaries, virtual events and Public Service Announcements.
She has traveled to 10 countries so far. She took her professional camera on most of her out of country travels but Ghana, West Africa was the first time that others viewed her work as if they were on the trip and had traveled with her, due to the way she beautifully captures sceneries and personalities. She loves capturing the essence of humanity. As a people person and an empath, she wants her legacy to include the fact that she was able to see the good in you, help you live your best life, and inspire you to step outside of your comfort zone. She is the author of Seeing Life Through a Different Lens: A Survivor’s Memoir on Overcoming Adversity with Resilience. She also hosts and produces the podcast called See Life Different which has over a 100 episodes.
Goal of the Documentary:
The documentary aims to shed light on the lives of visually impaired, healing-impaired, chronically ill, and black or Indigenous childhood cancer survivors. To raise awareness and share stories, Zaakirah is seeking support through a crowdfunding campaign. The project, in the making for five years, will feature interviews with survivors and incorporate animations to tell their stories. Contributions to the campaign come with perks such as shoutouts on the official website, early access to screenings, and opportunities to be involved in the production process. Zaakirah’s vision is to create a binge-worthy series that will be accessible on popular platforms like Amazon, Tubi, and Netflix. The documentary is expected to be finalized by December, with Zaakirah aiming to begin filming by September, coinciding with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September 2024) to begin film screening by Spring 2025.
Treatment:
Episode 1 – “Unveiling the Struggle”
Introduce our main characters, each representing a unique background and creative field.
Share their personal stories of diagnosis, including how cancer has affected their physical health and mental well-being.
Highlight the challenges they face due to visual and hearing impairments in their daily lives and creative pursuits.
Explore how their conditions have shaped their perspective on life and art.
Show glimpses of their involvement in community service projects, such as volunteering at local food banks and hospitals, emphasizing the importance of giving back to their communities.
Episode 2 – “The Power of Education”
Emphasize the role of education in the creatives’ survivorship and their ability to navigate life with their conditions.
Highlight the educational opportunities and resources available to them that have empowered them to pursue their passions.
Showcase their dedication to continuous learning and how they have overcome educational barriers.
Interview experts in the field of disability education to provide insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by visually and hearing impaired individuals.
Portray the creatives as ambassadors for inclusive education, advocating for equal opportunities for all.
Episode 3 – “Nourishing the Body and Soul”
Explore the vital role of nutrition in managing chronic illnesses and maintaining overall well-being for the creatives.
Feature their journeys to find the right balance of nutrition and self-care.
Follow them as they engage in cooking and nutrition workshops, showcasing their creativity and adapting to their specific dietary needs.
Highlight their commitment to spreading awareness about the importance of proper nutrition and self-care within their communities.
Episode 4 – “Bridging Art and Life”
Narrate how the creatives have used their art forms as a medium to express their emotions and experiences.
Showcase their unique artistic processes and techniques despite their physical limitations.
Present their artwork in galleries and exhibitions, demonstrating their ability to create meaningful and impactful pieces.
Explore the therapeutic effects of art and its contribution to their mental health and well-being.
Episode 5 – “Connecting Through Creativity”
Explore the power of community and the support networks that have played a significant role in the lives of the creatives.
Highlight their collaborations with other artists, organizations, and individuals who share similar journeys and challenges.
Capture heartwarming moments of connection and camaraderie among the creatives and their peers.
Share stories of how these relationships have helped them overcome obstacles and find inspiration and strength.
Episode 6 – “Celebrating Resilience”
Showcase the incredible achievements and milestones reached by each creative despite their chronic illnesses.
Highlight their personal growth and resilience throughout their journey.
Include testimonials from friends, family, and mentors, praising their determination and unwavering spirit.
Conclude the episode by emphasizing the importance of hope and resilience in overcoming adversity.
Episode 7 – “A New Perspective”
Reflect on the transformative journey of the creatives and the impact their stories have had on others.
Share messages of inspiration and empowerment from the creatives to viewers around the world.
Encourage viewers to see life from a different lens and embrace their unique journeys.
End with a montage of the creatives continuing to pursue their passions, contributing to their communities, and living their lives to the fullest.
Through the documentary series “Seeing Life Through a Different Lens,” we aim to inspire viewers to overcome their challenges, promote inclusivity, and celebrate the indomitable human spirit.
For sponsors and partnerships: Email zaakirah@zaakirahnayyar.com
Tentative release date: December 2024
SEEING LIFE THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS eBOOK
Zaakirah, was diagnosed with a rare eye cancer, non-hereditary bilateral retinoblastoma when she was nine months old. Zaakirah is a deaf-blind childhood cancer survivor who sees in one eye and wears hearing aids in both ears. This book alternates between the author’s personal memories of overcoming medical adversity and blog entries written by the author’s mother, Khai’dah. The blog entries highlight the search for proper treatment while the author’s personal writings share how she acclimated to her monocular existence. Ms. Muhammad began to form her identity through the adversity she was forced to overcome. You will be inspired as Zaakirah shares how she learned to fulfill her love of music, travel, and photography. This book helps you to gain a better understanding of this rare childhood eye cancer. This book is available for immediate download after purchase.
https://zaakirah-nayyar.ck.page/c424692393
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