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Rishta
TYPE: Narrative Short
GENRE: Drama
STATUS: Pre-Production
LOGLINE
A dependent little brother fears losing his only friend when his big sister is introduced to a potential rishta (suitor) during an Eid gathering.
SYNOPSIS
While it may feel like the sky is falling, there’s always a silver lining in the chaos. Rishta captures the tender reality of sibling relationships, where love and frustration coexist. Set during an Eid gathering, this film explores jealousy, grief, and independence—reminding us that as relationships shift, family bonds endure.
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
At an Eid family gathering, ten-year-old Ehsan struggles with jealousy when his sister Amna is introduced to a potential suitor. As tensions rise and emotions boil over, Ehsan’s actions threaten to push them apart. Through conflict, reflection, and reconciliation, they rediscover the unbreakable bond that holds their relationship together.
My closest cousin's big sister was his primary caretaker and best friend. While their bond was beautiful, my cousin struggled to fill an emotional gap, at the expense of his sister's freedom and youth. She had to grow up too soon, but eventually, it was his turn to do the same. rishta is about that pivotal moment. Furthermore, while my artistic journey started with observations, it has been developed by my own personal experiences. I, myself, have struggled with body image insecurities and by 2nd grade, both of my brothers had left for college. The image of their empty, pitch-black bedrooms is etched in my memory. I deeply understand the fear that drives Ehsan and it is exactly why I am compelled to tell this story.
KEY CREW
Ali Malik - Director
Ali Malik is a Pakistani-born, American-raised writer/director/producer. Most recently, his music video “Knot in my Chest” won the award for Best Story at the Experimental, Dance, and Music Film Festival in Toronto. Prior to that, his short film “Man of the Hour’ premiered at the New York Shorts International Film Festival. He is currently in his senior year at NYU Tisch, where he concentrates on telling stories that strive to find the silver lining in everyday heartbreak. With his next project rishta, Ali plans on distilling the ugliness of family drama while maintaining the inherent humor and heartwarming beauty present in his rich Pakistani-Americana family story. Furthermore, Ali brings his professional production experience to every project he works on. He has served as a locations assistant for Apple TV and CoMPANY Films as well as a member of the creative development team at CAVIAR in LA. In his free time, you can find him on stage as a live performing rhythm guitarist or at a table tennis tournament, competing for his life.
Mehula Singh - Production Designer
Mehula Singh is a New York-based production designer originally from Mumbai, India. She holds an MFA in Design for Stage and Film from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and a bachelor’s degree in Product Design from the MIT Institute of Design in India. Her work spans narrative film, television, and theatre, with a focus on crafting immersive, character-driven environments that support story and performance. Mehula began her career in the Mumbai film industry, contributing to large-scale productions such as Dabangg 3, Laxmii, and Ponniyin Selvan: Part I in a variety of art department roles, from prop runner to set decorator. Since relocating to New York, she has worked across independent film, Broadway, and academic productions, bringing a global and collaborative perspective to each project. Her work and creative process have been featured in publications such as Digital Studio India and Shoutout LA, highlighting her path from Meerut to Manhattan and her philosophy on world-building through design. Mehula is passionate about fostering inclusive spaces in the art department and often mentors emerging designers. She continues to shape visual narratives that resonate emotionally while embracing both realism and stylized storytelling.
Farhan Kamdar - Director of Photography
Farhan Kamdar is a Pakistani American cinematographer based in New York City, known for his atmospheric compositions and emotionally-driven visual storytelling. A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Farhan’s visual style has been shaped by years of hands-on experience as a gaffer and DP across narrative film, commercial campaigns, and music videos.His recent credits include the upcoming Peacock original series People Like Me and A Survivor’s Guilt – Yaya Bey, a live performance piece produced for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Farhan’s commercial work includes campaigns for brands like Journey’s and Cure Thrift, and his fashion films and short narratives have premiered with emerging and independent voices across New York and beyond. Farhan brings a collaborative, story-first approach to every project, with a keen eye for lighting and texture. His work spans genres but always centers on crafting immersive, character-driven worlds through the lens.
Zayan Agha - Editor
Zayan Agha is a Pakistani filmmaker, editor, and visual storyteller whose work spans narrative fiction, music videos, and hybrid documentaries. As the youngest of three siblings and the younger brother to an older sister, Zayan connected personally to Rishta’s story and felt compelled to join the project. Raised in Lahore and currently based in Boston, Zayan’s films often explore the intersection of climate justice, social change, and intimate human stories. He is one of the few Pakistani filmmakers to have been featured by Forbes Magazine, with projects screening at prestigious international festivals including San Sebastián, Austin, Clermont-Ferrand, Red Sea, and Tasveer. Zayan holds a degree in film from the National College of Arts in Lahore and is a recipient of the Full Tuition Graduate Fellowship at Emerson College in Boston, where he is currently pursuing his MFA. At Emerson, he is also contributing to the creation of a new undergraduate major in Sustainability Communications, reflecting his deep commitment to environmental advocacy through storytelling. In addition to his narrative and documentary work, Zayan has directed, produced, and edited music videos for some of Pakistan’s leading pop and rap artists, garnering millions of views and national recognition. His style blends cinematic language with bold, socially-driven themes, using visual media as a tool for both expression and impact.
Zakir Zaidi - Producer
Zakir Zaidi is a New York-based Pakistani-Indian American producer currently completing his BFA in Film & Television at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. He brings prior training and experience from Chapman University, the University of Southern California, Loyola Marymount University, La Fémis, and other institutions, having worked on over 70 productions and logged more than 1,300 on-set hours. Zakir is the recipient of the 2024 and 2025 Akhtar-Bhutta Fund for Student Producers Award for his work on Rishta and other student projects. He is passionate about developing culturally resonant stories and creating artist-centered productions rooted in healthy, collaborative environments. Zakir recently completed a Film Unit Internship at Saturday Night Live and currently serves as a Set Production Assistant on the show, supporting the weekly broadcast of live television. His production development experience includes collaborations with major studios and networks such as PBS, CBS, NBCUniversal, and Disney. Through the National Student Advertising Competition, Zairk has led award-winning marketing campaigns for Meta and Indeed. His creative work has screened at festivals such as the Pan African Film Festival, and his latest project, Rishta, is currently in pre-production.
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