In this musical-comedy, a young woman reflects on her life as the “perfect” Bengali daughter, her identity constantly challenged growing up in America. Having conformed to all of her parents’ expectations so far, Aria may finally be ready to challenge their ideals of what the perfect daughter should look like. And what a more perfect time to do that, but on the eve of her arranged marriage, shortly after her wild bachelorette party in Vegas.

This charming short film has all of the right ingredients to capture audiences’ hearts; a familiar story of growing up in disparate cultures, told through a cleverly written song that is sung and performed by a talented newcomer. Delightfully laid out through a series of memories represented as elaborate set-pieces, the film perfectly balances the sweetness and fun of a fairy-tale with the very real tribulations of trying to belong equally in two distinct identities. This familiar coming-of-age story told with a delightfully fresh spin will leave a smile on your face. 

DIRECTOR

J. Nicholas Meese is an award-winning short film director, whose work has been selected by the Buenos Aires Independent Film Festival, the London International Film Festival, and the Girls Impact The World Film Festival. Nick directed the first place short FOCUS for the Ad Council’s Project Yellow Light competition, which aired nationally.