As a seasoned film critic with a penchant for independent productions and a soft spot for stories that resonate deeply with diverse communities, I find myself utterly captivated by the burgeoning efforts of RASA Film Group. Hailing from a multicultural background myself, I am particularly drawn to their unwavering commitment to amplifying voices from the South Asian diaspora.

Their impressive slate of projects showcases an array of compelling narratives that delve into complex themes such as identity, spirituality, and moral dilemmas. The collective’s ability to secure funding from prestigious sources like the Netflix Tasveer Film Fund and InsideOut 2SLGBTQ+ RE:Focus Fund is a testament to their dedication to quality storytelling and their potential to make a lasting impact in the film industry.

The addition of tech and hospitality veteran Rohit Bhayana as a partner further solidifies RASA’s position as an innovative force, leveraging diverse skill sets to propel their mission forward. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued growth and success of this remarkable collective, and I can’t help but chuckle at the irony of a data analytics expert joining the ranks of a story-driven organization – perhaps we’ll soon see RASA using machine learning algorithms to predict Oscar winners!

The film production company, RASA Film Group, is growing its influence by bringing on board Rohit Bhayana, an experienced figure in technology and hospitality, as a new partner. Together, they aim to expand their narrative of South Asian stories.

The New York-based group, founded in 2024, has already built a reputation for supporting short films directed by women, having finished four projects during its first year of operation.

Leading the lineup by RASA, the short movie titled “Witness” is set to debut at the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival’s North American premiere. Directed by Radha Mehta and Saif Jaan, this project delves into the tale of an imam confronting a moral dilemma: balancing age-old mosque principles with safeguarding a male worshiper’s spiritual voyage. The film has garnered significant backing, receiving financial support from both the Netflix Tasveer Film Fund and the InsideOut 2SLGBTQ+ RE:Focus Fund.

The group’s roster includes “Don’t Be Late, Myra,” a joint production between Pakistan and the U.S., helmed by director Afia Serena Nathaniel. This production made its debut at the Woodstock Film Festival, where it contended for the Oscar-eligible Mark Braunstein Award. Since then, it has been screened at other prestigious events such as the St. Louis International Film Festival and the “Light in Motion” Competition at Foyle Film Festival. The film is produced by Nouman Waheed from Tryangle Productions.

Arti Ishak’s “Half,” a recently completed production in Chicago during September, is currently searching for festival appearances. This comedy short, functioning as a precursor to a future series, narrates the journey of an Asian-Arab Muslim American character grappling with the intricacies of multiracial identity.

Director Dhwani Shah’s psychological horror film “Seen” will finish production and kick off its festival run at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival in 2025. Following this debut, plans are set for feature development in the same year.

Rohi Mirza Pandya, a RASA partner, expresses his enthusiasm about broadening the organization’s mission to feature tales from the South Asian diaspora and collaborating with additional allies who align with our vision,” says Rohi Mirza Pandya.

The founding team at the organization consists of Asad Butt, Sujit Chawla, Pandya, and Atul Prashar. Bhayana, the latest addition to the partnership, boasts a wealth of experience as a co-founder of InfoCepts, a data analytics company, and is also actively involved in the arts through his role on the board of directors at Washington DC’s Shakespeare Theatre Company.

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2024-12-31 07:16