Support and help fund a short surrealist horror-thriller that studies a father-daughter relationship in isolation, and disconnection as newcomer Filipino immigrants in Canada — in the lens of our young protagonist, SAHANA.

ABOUT THE FILM

This short thriller is about a father and daughter who recently separated from their family in the Philippines for a better life.

Sahana, a young 7 year old dancer, is expecting her father’s attention in the crowd of her tap dance recital, but instead sees a disfigured version of him with his head flipped completely the opposite way.

He’s there, but is he really watching?

Set in the 1990’s, Papa decides to be an OFW. He is a qualified nurse in the Philippines, but he is unqualified in Canada. He found a job as a landscaper that takes a physical and mental toll on him. Focused on crafting a life for Sahana and his family back home, he has unfortunately turned inaccessible.

She is forced to confront feelings of neglect and discomfort early on. Through lowkey lighting, tableau shots and practical effects, we aim to create a sense of surrealist horror. With obscure costumes and props, we will create a disfigured version of Papa with his head flipped the opposite way around.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE:

My name is Anushka "Nushi" Sharma, and I am the writer and director of Sahana. As a Filipino-Indian who migrated from the Philippines just 4 years ago, I have struggled with my own personal identity. To want to feel seen, heard, and understood by those who grew up in an entirely different environment can be incredibly confusing, ego-bursting and anxiety-inducing.

Sahana will branch out of the typical immigrant story. I have seen stories that create feelings of sadness, grief and melancholy. While important, the incredible nuanced experience of being an immigrant cannot be limited to sadness. I think we need more odd stories to add to this multifaceted experience.

There was a looming sense of fear that I could not quite put my finger on as a new-comer in Canada. I'm curious if others feel the same.

THE STORY IMPACT IN THE ASIAN-CANADIAN DIASPORA

The fear of being far from the person you want to be. To be far from your home. To be distant from who/what/where you know best. To not be able to fulfill the expectations of those you care about the most.

I can go on and on about my experience because I am still living in it, but the most important takeaway is to begin recognizing those fears. To recognize the standards that you create for yourself, and how unfulfilling those standards can be terrifying to your self-worth. How this is an ongoing conversation in your head, and you may not have all the answers just yet.

Sahana's eeriness is a manifestation of fear that neither the characters can quite put their finger on yet.

I, the director and writer, am dedicated to writing and supporting stories that uplift immigrant voices. I have also found that those around me, those from many different places in the world, can share the same feelings of fear and disconnectedness.

WHAT WILL IT BE USED FOR?

It was recently picked by MAMM (Mighty Asian Movie Making) to be made alongside many, many great stories this year. We are forever grateful for this opportunity, and we want to make the most out of it.

We received an initial funding of $1,000 CAD from MAMM, along with a personal contribution of another $1,000 CAD. However, we hope to take our vision to the next level and are seeking additional support. Our target before the shoot is to have a total budget of (4000).

Your GoFundMe contribution would be allocated towards:

- Camera, Grip, and Lighting Package

- Practical Effects and Production Design

- Shooting Location rental (a Theatre and a semi-basement unit)

- Food Catering

Every dollar makes a meaningful difference and will never be taken for granted. Your support will help us bring Sahana to its fullest potential. We've assembled an incredible team of emerging Vancouver film talents who are passionate, skilled, and genuinely kind.

As a token of our gratitude, if you decide to contribute, your name will be included in the film credits. If you're unable to contribute financially, helping us spread the word about this campaign would mean just as much.

Thank you in advance.

- Anushka "Nushi" Sharma

& the Sahana Crew.