Mumtaz Hussain (filmmaker)

Mumtaz Hussain is a Pakistani-American artist, filmmaker, and writer who was born in Jhang, Pakistan.

History and education
Upon graduation, he was commissioned to construct a seventy-foot mural in Lahore's town center; he was also commissioned to decorate the Sheikh Zaid bin Sultan Palace, an architectural landmark in Karachi, under his instructors' supervision.

Art and Sculptor
Mumtaz Hussain's artwork spans three distinct styles, each showcasing his versatile creativity. His widely acclaimed classic South Asian art is reimagined through a postmodern lens, breathing new life into traditional forms. Hussain masterfully incorporates the hieroglyphics of the Indus Valley civilization into his paintings, creating a bridge between ancient history and contemporary expression. His artistic journey is also captured in three books, each a collection of fictional short stories that intertwine with his visual art, offering a rich, narrative tapestry that enhances the depth and allure of his work.

Literary Career
Mumtaz published his first book of short stories in 2010, Gool Ainak ki Peyhe. In 2014 his second book of short stories and painting was published, Lafzon Main Tasvarain, In 2020 his third book of short stories and painting, Peli Pati Chuna Kum, was published. Mumtaz's fourth book, Mumtaz Hussain Dian Chuwian Kahinian, (GURMUKHI) was published in 2021, and Portrait in Words (English) in 2023. "Portrait in Words" has earned an Honorary Mention at the New England Book Festival and the International Impact Book Award in 2024.

Film
Hussain has participated in a number of films as director, writer, producer of both animations and short films. Titles to date include the feature length Art=(Love)2, for which he also produced the paintings used as a key narrative device in the film (2011), and shorts Butterfly Screams (2007), Push Button For (2006), Yeh Mera Pakistan Hai (This is My Pakistan) for Pakistani TV Channel GEO (2005), Inside You (2004).

His film Soul of Civilization has been shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City as part of its 2003 exhibit The Art of the First Cities.

His art and films have been shown at museums, universities, art galleries, and many international film Festivals, including the 6th Karachi International Film Festival (KaraFilm).

Plays
Mumtaz Hussain's artistic journey began with high school theater, where he performed in Shakespeare's seven tragedies, "Faust," "The Devil's Disciple," "Arabian Nights," and numerous Urdu-language plays. Transitioning to New York, he expanded his creative horizons by writing and directing three original plays: "The Barking Crow," "Legal Alien," and "Virus Bomb." His diverse experience in both acting and directing highlights his multifaceted talent and passion for the performing arts.

Director

 * 2012: Art=(Love)²
 * 2007: Butterfly Screams
 * 2006: Push Button For
 * 2005: Yeh Mera Pakistan Hai (This Is My Pakistan)
 * 2004: Inside You
 * 2003: Soul of Civilization

Plays

 * 2015: Legal Alien
 * 2022: Virus Bomb

Awards and honors

 * 2013 The Kind Executioner was selected for the Final List in the Hollywood Screenplay Contest 2013
 * 2014 Official selection of "Art=(Love)2" in Indian Film Festival in New York 2014
 * 2023 Global leadership award by Lion Club and James Jay Luce Foundation.