Experiencing Interruptions?

Pressure

This music video/experimental short shows a young girl who feels forced and pushed into one direction by a ghost but also feels lonely and alone without that pressure. The story tells a larger story of society about people who feel trapped by pressure but also feel unsure without it, but the story is open to interpretation based on one's personal experiences with pressure. The music is a classical, student composed piece with a fast-paced tune and a balance of different instruments. I came up with this idea by listening to the music on repeat until I felt a certain emotion, and tried to convey that through video.

  • Ayana Ahuja
    Director
    Express Your Voice PSA, Precious Metal
  • Ayana Ahuja
    Writer
    Express Your Voice PSA, Precious Metal
  • Ayana Ahuja
    Producer
    Express Your Voice PSA, Precious Metal
  • Grace Hawkins
    Key Cast
  • Sevginaz Gürleyici
    Key Cast
  • Ayana Ahuja
    Editor
    Express Your Voice PSA, Precious Metal
  • Ayana Ahuja
    Cinematographer
    Express Your Voice PSA, Precious Metal
  • Ava Ghods
    Composer
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Music Video, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Horror, Mystery, Drama, Art, Indie Film, Experimental
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes 18 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 22, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - The Madeira School
  • Newark IFF Youth Film Festival
    Newark, New Jersey
    United States
    September 12, 2020
    Official Selection
  • NRV Youth Film Festival
    Blacksburg, Virginia
    United States
    May 15, 2021
    Best NRV Experimental Film
  • 1:11 High School Film Festival
    Raleigh, North Carolina
    United States
    October 1, 2021
    Official Selection
Distribution Information
  • Ayana Ahuja
Director Biography - Ayana Ahuja

Ayana Ahuja received her first access to imovie at age six. From then on she filmed everything she could from home movies, trailers, game shows; all she did from then on was film. At six years old Ayana also created her own production studio, "Punch Panda Studios", that she still uses.

Ayana is in high school working on multiple short films and scripts. She has created "Precious Metal" about two orphaned children reminded of their past and values, and "Express Your Voice", a PSA to show other girls that they can advocate their causes through their passions. Ayana has also attended the selective Imagination Stage Filmmaking Academy and New York Film Academy's Summer Film Program.

Ayana is an advocate for women in film through her blog "Ayana's Direction", social media, and her own films that she hopes will inspire and further women in the film world. Her biggest inspirations are Cynthia Erivo, Ava DuVerynay, Mira Nair, and Greta Gerwig. Ayana hopes you enjoy and are inspired by her films as she hopes to eventually go into the film industry!

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In my film Pressure, I hope everyone has a slightly different interpretation. The main idea is a young girl that feels trapped by pressure but feels alone without it. However, everyone has different experiences with pressure from society and the people around them. Since my film is done in an experimental and abstract way, the story can be seen differently based on people's past experiences.

The musical score was composed by a friend of mine, a fellow 15-year-old artist. After listening to the song (titled "Dreams of Reality") on repeat, I noticed how the piano and violin music seemed to be fighting for attention but also working together at the same time. At the beginning of the film, I matched the young girl's emotions to the violin part and the ghost's movements to the piano. However, towards the end of the music, the violin and piano are playing together, which I showcased through the two characters dancing at the end. I wanted the music and the video to work together in order to produce emotion for the audience, and I hoped that was achieved!