'A Player First' - Short Film

With the help of her grandpa, a young basketball player overcomes her fear of playing on a male-dominated court.

  • Anusha Halwai
    Director
  • Anusha Halwai
    Writer
  • Anusha Halwai
    Producer
  • Maeve Huttner
    Producer
  • Sophia Rodriguez
    Key Cast
    "Kyra "
  • Josh Habib
    Key Cast
    "Paa"
  • Juan Connor
    Key Cast
    "Ace"
  • Xander Ricci
    Key Cast
    "Gold"
  • Isabella Escobedo
    Cinematography
  • Jay Nagjee
    Editor
  • Gordon Chan
    Original Score
  • Corey Tian
    Original Score
  • Lei (Leanne) Zhang
    Production Designer
  • Ruitian Zhang
    1st Assistant Director
  • Imani Njau
    Associate Producer
  • Katelyn Emerson
    Casting Assistant
  • Marina Zhirui Man
    Costume Designer | Hair & Make-Up
  • Sara Bourjjai
    Art Director
  • Marina Zhirui Man
    Art Team
  • Jay Nagjee
    Art Team
  • Ahri Wan
    Art Team
  • Anusha Halwai
    Art Team
  • Isabella Escobedo
    Art Team
  • Katelyn Emerson
    Script Supervisor
  • Marc Fitch
    1st Assistant Camera
  • Adrian Calderon Pinedan
    2nd Assistant Camera
  • Ahri Wan
    Digital Imaging Technician
  • Jenn Babick
    Gaffer
  • Baird Fuchs
    Key Grip
  • Himank Agarwal
    Grip
  • Eilis Cawley
    Sound Recordist | Sound Designer
  • Matthew Fronduto
    Boom Operator
  • Freddy Zhen Wang
    Post-Production Supervisor
  • Tana Hok
    Colorist
  • Jun Cao
    BTS Photo/Videography
  • Danny Shojai
    Production Assistant | Social Media Coordinator
  • Izzy Espejo
    Marketing Animator
  • Anusha Halwai
    Credits Animator
  • Lydia A Rodriguez
    Stage Parent
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Coming-of-Age, Sports-Drama
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 19 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 15, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    8,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Emerson College
Director Biography - Anusha Halwai

Anusha Halwai is an emerging filmmaker with a passion for creating unexplored and organic narratives through a variety of mediums, including live-action and animation. Born in Massachusetts and raised in India, Anusha's love for the depth and history of Indian art and culture has inspired her work as a filmmaker. Anusha is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Production at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, where she has gained thorough knowledge in the logistical and creative aspects of filmmaking.

Anusha's deep attachment to art, nature and relationships are key elements of her storytelling roots.

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Director Statement

'A Player First' is a letter to all the young humans to be bold to step into their dream world without fear. It is a film that aims to tackle internalized oppression ,that often holds talented individuals from realizing their full potential, with the help of love, compassion and courage.