Private Project

American-istan

A rich girl from Pakistan must adjust to lower class American life after getting an arranged marriage.

After leaving her family, Iman sacrifices everything by coming to America. She is forced to confront new expectations from her husband, Salim, and struggle with the roles and dynamics of what life is really like in the land of opportunity versus the fantasy in her head.

  • Ali Godil
    Director
  • Ali Godil
    Writer
  • Fran Bittakis
    Producer
  • Esha More
    Key Cast
    "Iman"
  • Ricki Bhullar
    Key Cast
    "Salim"
  • Chris Buchal
    Cinematographer
  • Logan Reynolds
    Gaffer
  • Hayden Spencer
    1st AC
  • Fran Bittakis
    Wardrobe
  • Stormy Brady
    Hair and Makeup
  • Alaina Armstrong
    Hair and Makeup
  • Betty Alcaraz
    Sound Mixer
  • Mohammad Gorjestani
    Executive Producer
    Refuge, Exit 12, Sister Hearts
  • Ashley Rodholm
    Editor
  • Miguel Acuna
    2nd AC
  • Roisin Connolly
    Production Assistants
  • Marshall Peak
    Production Assistants
  • Seemab Hussaini
    Production Assistants
  • Saren Oliver
    Production Assistants
  • Chris Konovaliv
    Sound Design
  • Mark Sanna
    Color
  • Will Mok
    Color Producers
  • Laura Noonan
    Color Producers
  • Enric Perez
    Title Card design
  • Ali Godil
    Title Card design
  • Genevieve Diaz
    Associate Producer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Comedy, Romance
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 19 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 30, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Urdu
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ali Godil

Ali Godil is a Portland based artist, filmmaker, creative director and designer who believes in the power of beauty (ethics + aesthetics) to create emotionally impactful concepts, designs and content. Pushing culture forward in the process and ultimately uplifting the human experience.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This is a true story about my parents getting an arranged marriage and moving to the US. With this film I wanted to increase the aperture of what it means to be "American". Juxtaposing the American dream from abroad versus the American reality while living here. When faced with such great sacrifice and courage as moving to another country and giving your life to a stranger, what do you choose to hold onto or give up?