This inspiring collection of AAPI short films celebrates the courage it takes to live authentically. From personal journeys of self-discovery to bold expressions of identity, these stories highlight resilience, vulnerability, and the strength found in embracing one’s true self. Together, they honor the bravery it takes to stand tall, be seen, and be unapologetically you.
Radha, an 11-year-old girl in rural India, loses her school bag on her first day of work at a firecracker factory. Patakha follows her journey to retrieve it — and the hope for the future that has been taken away.
Director Rohit Relan
Rohit Relan is a writer/director from Mumbai, India, based in Los Angeles, with a deep interest in exploring identity, culture, and self-discovery through his characters. An AFI Directing ’24 graduate, his films often focus on individuals facing despair yet finding a glimmer of hope to keep going. This thematic exploration has earned him recognition at film festivals worldwide, and his AFI thesis was supported by the Bridge-Larson Foundation Scholarship. He is a 2025 participant of the Storylines Lab at Cine Qua Non Labs. Having also worked as an Assistant Director on mainstream Hindi films and Netflix shows, Relan is committed to bringing South Asian and unique narratives to a global audience, sparking conversation and inspiring
- Year12/20/2024 00:00
- Runtime0:15:00
- LanguageHindi
- CountryUnited States, United States
- GenreDrama, Coming of Age
- AwardsDances With Films: LA Los Angeles June 22, 2025 North American Premiere United States Loz Feliz Film Festival Los Angeles Best Student Film United States International Film Festival for Children and Youth KINOLUB June 1, 2025 World Premiere Poland
- DirectorRohit Relan
- ScreenwriterUmut Ipek
- ProducerTiffany Wu
- CastAshi Sharma
This inspiring collection of AAPI short films celebrates the courage it takes to live authentically. From personal journeys of self-discovery to bold expressions of identity, these stories highlight resilience, vulnerability, and the strength found in embracing one’s true self. Together, they honor the bravery it takes to stand tall, be seen, and be unapologetically you.
Radha, an 11-year-old girl in rural India, loses her school bag on her first day of work at a firecracker factory. Patakha follows her journey to retrieve it — and the hope for the future that has been taken away.
Director Rohit Relan
Rohit Relan is a writer/director from Mumbai, India, based in Los Angeles, with a deep interest in exploring identity, culture, and self-discovery through his characters. An AFI Directing ’24 graduate, his films often focus on individuals facing despair yet finding a glimmer of hope to keep going. This thematic exploration has earned him recognition at film festivals worldwide, and his AFI thesis was supported by the Bridge-Larson Foundation Scholarship. He is a 2025 participant of the Storylines Lab at Cine Qua Non Labs. Having also worked as an Assistant Director on mainstream Hindi films and Netflix shows, Relan is committed to bringing South Asian and unique narratives to a global audience, sparking conversation and inspiring
- Year12/20/2024 00:00
- Runtime0:15:00
- LanguageHindi
- CountryUnited States, United States
- GenreDrama, Coming of Age
- AwardsDances With Films: LA Los Angeles June 22, 2025 North American Premiere United States Loz Feliz Film Festival Los Angeles Best Student Film United States International Film Festival for Children and Youth KINOLUB June 1, 2025 World Premiere Poland
- DirectorRohit Relan
- ScreenwriterUmut Ipek
- ProducerTiffany Wu
- CastAshi Sharma