New Thriller, Shadow of Doubts, Filmed in Colne

Filmmaker Saby Khan is shooting his latest thriller, Shadow of Doubts, in Pendle and Bradford, contributing to the excitement around Bradford City of Culture 2025.

Hailing from Nelson, Saby Khan is a multi-talented creative with a diverse background as an award-winning music promoter, radio presenter, and event manager.

“I started DJing at Nelson College when I was 18, while also working at Colne’s Sainsbury’s. That eventually led to club nights and parties in Manchester alongside my degree in events management. My first big break came at 28 when I worked with the Black Eyed Peas.”

Since then, Saby has spent over 25 years in the entertainment and radio industries, collaborating with prominent US artists such as 50 Cent and The Outlawz. As the founder of British Asian Radio, he was also honoured with the Points of Light Award from former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his exceptional contributions to British music and arts. Quite an achievement for a Northern lad.

The film is set to premiere next year during Bradford City of Culture 2025, but Saby has larger ambitions.

Now, Saby is venturing into filmmaking. “I’ve worked on short films and appeared in a few movies myself. I was also a contributing writer for the film Yasmin, shot in Keighley in 2004. I’ve written and starred in several short films featured at international film festivals, but Shadow of Doubts will be my first film that I’ve written, directed, and acted in.”

The inspiration for Shadow of Doubts comes from Saby’s time working as a civil servant for the Home Office, where he interviewed refugees from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. “The stories they shared were eye-opening, and that’s where the concept of the film came from.”

The film is set to premiere next year during Bradford City of Culture 2025, but Saby has larger ambitions.

“We plan to submit Shadow of Doubts to film festivals worldwide, from London to Dubai,” he says with a smile. “We’re aiming to put Nelson and Colne on the global map.”

Filming in his hometown holds special significance for Saby. “Being from Nelson, it was important for me to film here. Plus, the area’s historic sites and old mills provide the perfect backdrop for the film’s setting.”

While Shadow of Doubts is still in production, Saby is already working on his next project, Bloodthirst—a vampire film set to be shot in New York. Starring Amy Barnard and Daniela Tablante, the film will highlight female strength and power.

For aspiring local filmmakers, Saby’s advice is simple: start independently. “When you create your own work, people notice. I always encourage young talent to be independent and, most importantly, to research. Many talented people fail to do that, but it’s crucial. And don’t imitate others—find your unique voice. My filmmaking style is distinct, shaped by my experience as a British Asian and my multi-faceted career. I’ve collaborated with both American and British artists, but I’m still learning. No matter how long you’ve been in the industry, there’s always more to learn.”

Be sure to catch Shadow of Doubts during Bradford City of Culture 2025!

ColneLife Dec/Jan 24/25