Filmmaker Bassam Tariq Discusses New Film and Collaborations with Riz Ahmed and Mahershala Ali

Bassam Tariq, a filmmaker originally from Pakistan and raised in New York and Houston, spoke at the Austin Film Festival this week. He discussed the creation of his latest film, Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, and the long-standing creative partnerships that led to its production. The event took place at the University of Texas, Tariq’s alma mater, where he also participated in a panel on attaching star power to scripts.

Tariq explained that the project originated from a collapsed production for Marvel. Mahershala Ali was originally cast to star in a version of Blade, but the film stalled. During that period, Ali and Tariq developed a new story about Latif, a Black Muslim hitman in Houston who faces a crisis of faith after the death of his wife. Tariq noted that he had to relearn his own assumptions about the community he was depicting, relying on Ali’s perspective to guide the character’s development.

Wardrobe played a central role in defining Latif’s identity. Tariq stated that he realized his previous sensibilities about Muslim dress were dated. Ali, playing the lead, directed the visual choices to ensure they felt authentic. Latif wears a kufi, shalwar trousers, and a morning tunic as daily items, while a tagelmust turban and face veil appear during violent scenes. These specific garments reference West African anti-colonial protesters and historical figures such as Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba of Senegal.

The film marks a continuation of Tariq’s work with actors who have informed his writing. Riz Ahmed starred in Tariq’s previous narrative feature, Mogul Mowgli, and the two have since worked on the Prime series Bait. In that series, Ahmed plays an actor who effectively closes the door on becoming a British Asian James Bond. Tariq recalled that Ahmed had to consult with producer Barbara Broccoli to finalize the character’s fate, a process that confirmed the importance of the Bond connection to the plot.

Tariq emphasized that his approach to storytelling is rooted in the Black Muslim tradition, which he has practiced since his upbringing. He argued that this perspective allows him to tell stories that resonate even if he does not come from that specific demographic. He cited the British film Four Lions as an example of how outsiders can tell community stories effectively if they work thoughtfully. Tariq admitted he initially disliked the film’s trailer but eventually watched it eight times, crying on the second viewing.

Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother is currently available on video on demand platforms.