When creating physical props, I aim to produce them in the most sustainable way possible while also ensuring that my designs carry strong political and social themes. These props were created for a short film I wrote as part of a module during my studies in Film, TV and Stage Design at the University of Salford. Through this process, I explored how prop design can contribute not only to the visual identity of a production, but also to the communication of deeper narrative and ideological messages.

The story follows two male strangers, Mani and Sael, who move into an apartment together. Sael is a chaotic creative—disorganised, impulsive, and driven by unhealthy habits and dopamine—while Mani is disciplined, growth-oriented, and committed to self-improvement. As they live together, Sael is forced to confront the damaging effects of his behaviour through Mani’s constant presence. Their relationship evolves through conflict, admiration, and self-reflection, culminating in the revelation that Mani is not real, but part of a mindset-changing programme designed to reshape Sael’s habits.

The film reflects my own transition into adulthood. For years, I rejected criticism from my father and brother, only later recognising it as care rather than judgement. That shift transformed both my mindset and our relationship.

To develop the project, I created two memory boxes that physically represented the contrasting personalities of Mani and Sael, alongside all the props featured within the boxes.