saltwater
[SCRIPTED SHORT FILM]a powerful short film that delves into the unspoken struggles of identity, masculinity, and cultural expectations within asian communities. released in july 2023, the story follows two men navigating friendship, love, and societal pressures, confronting vulnerabilities and insecurities often left unspoken. set against stunning visuals, saltwater sheds light on the tension between personal authenticity and cultural norms, offering a fresh perspective on themes rarely discussed openly among asian men. recognized at the chicago south asian film festival, wisconsin film festival, culver city film festival, and bengali film festival of new york, saltwater resonates with audiences worldwide, encouraging reflection on the connections that shape us.
selections and screenings
wisconsin film festival 2023 (wisconsin)
chicago south asian film festival 2023 (chicago)
culver city film festival 2023 (los angeles)
rickshaw film foundation screening (los angeles)
bengali film festival of ny 2023 (new york)
credits
written by naveed khan
directed by sachin bhargava dharwadker
executive producers: kunal patel, rianjali bhowmick, kush parmar
produced by colt kozal
starring: sanjay chandani deepti gupta, rishi mahesh, armaan medatia
director of photography: spencer mann
production designer: armaan pujani
editor: sachin bhargava dharwadker
costume designer: sweta vakani
music by rianjali bhowmick
1st assistant directors: giselle bonilla, jonah lipton
1st assistant camera: anthony minassian
2nd assistant camera: priscilla mars
key grip: nicholas luna
gaffer: damon mavroudis
swing: diane devilers
hair & makeup: rose zubler
production sound mixer: pat birk
art production assistants: paige schaeffer, ivanka lawrence, yajie qin
production assistants: zeke goodman, hank stone
stills/bts: shahrukh tailor
sound editor: pat birk
colorist: jake m. white @ company 3