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Borrowed Faces (2025)

A man visits a mask dealer in search of a new mask, in search for a different personality and power. When he accidentally chooses a mask he was never meant to touch, the balance of control shifts, forcing the dealer to reveal his own hidden identity.

Filmmaker's Statement

This project was created as my first filmmaking assignment, with the goal of telling a complete story without dialogue, while maintaining visual continuity. I wanted to explore the idea of masks as a metaphor for the different personas we adopt in our everyday lives, often pretending to be people we are not in order to fit in, and gain validation from society.

Each mask in the film represents a different personality, highlighting how easily identity can be altered or performed. The mask dealer initially appears powerful, controlled, and superior, reinforcing the illusion of authority. However, when the protagonist accidentally selects a mask that grants him too much power, the power shifts, forcing the dealer to reveal that he too is hiding behind a mask. This moment was intentional, as it exposes the fragility behind perceived dominance.

My intention was to show that systems of power often rely on illusion, and that those who seem untouchable or perfect are just as constructed and vulnerable as anyone else.

Paired with minimal lighting, I made the choice to colour this project with high contrasts and dark shadows, to mimic the depth of the social issues being discussed, that create a sense of discomfort.

 

Ultimately, this film reflects my belief that we have more power than we think, and that our fear of not fitting in often steals from our power. 

Shot on RED

EDITED ON FINAL CUT PRO

BORROWED FACES - credits

Written, Directed & Edited by
Farida Ayad

CAST

John Doe
Pierce Brian Brown

Mask Dealer
Vlas Kostychev

CREW

Director of Photography
Xavier Caudill

Gaffer
Sabiné Bastian

Assistant Camera
Luoyi Li

Produced at
New York Film Academy - Los Angeles

© 2023 by Farida Ayad Films. All rights reserved.

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