Greetings again from the darkness. "Where ya' from?" It's a seemingly innocuous question that most of us have asked others without giving it much thought. But imagine living in constant fear in your own country because of how you look. Many immigrants in the UK live with that fear on a daily basis, and that's the point of this stunning 12-minute short film from writer-director Aneil Karia and co-writer and star Riz Ahmed.
Officially, the entire cast is uncredited, but of course we immediately recognize Riz Ahmed from his Oscar nominated performance in SOUND OF METAL (2019) and his Emmy winning role in "The Night of" (2016). The excitement builds within the tight confines of the home as a family and friends makes preparations an upcoming wedding. Through a window Riz spots some police activity. Soon, a siege is occurring and those in the house are being round up - women and kids in vans, while the men are made to kneel in the street.
The normal day quickly evolved into a nightmare, and the final couple of minutes features Riz in a pointed rap-rant meant to convey the fears of those who look different. "Where ya' really from?" is the question that cuts to the core of the message. Aneil Karia and Riz Ahmed certainly deserve the Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film.
Officially, the entire cast is uncredited, but of course we immediately recognize Riz Ahmed from his Oscar nominated performance in SOUND OF METAL (2019) and his Emmy winning role in "The Night of" (2016). The excitement builds within the tight confines of the home as a family and friends makes preparations an upcoming wedding. Through a window Riz spots some police activity. Soon, a siege is occurring and those in the house are being round up - women and kids in vans, while the men are made to kneel in the street.
The normal day quickly evolved into a nightmare, and the final couple of minutes features Riz in a pointed rap-rant meant to convey the fears of those who look different. "Where ya' really from?" is the question that cuts to the core of the message. Aneil Karia and Riz Ahmed certainly deserve the Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film.