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Exfil

Exfil is a high-octane short action thriller that follows the journey of an ex-military operative who has left behind a life of war and violence for the promise of peace. Haunted by his past, he has built a quiet existence with his daughter, the only light in his world. But when she is kidnapped by a ruthless organization, his demons resurface, forcing him back into a world he swore to leave behind.

With time running out and no one to turn to, he embarks on a relentless mission to track down the kidnappers and bring his daughter home. Armed with tactical expertise, unyielding determination, and a father’s love, he must outsmart and outfight those who stand in his way. As the bullets fly and the stakes rise, he discovers that this battle is not just about saving his daughter, it’s about redemption.

Exfil delivers gripping action, intense hand-to-hand combat, and a powerful emotional core, making it a must-watch for fans of action-packed thrillers.

Project Description

This film was originally planned as a series of social media reels, shot on a very limited budget with a minimal crew. However, during the shoot, the vision evolved into a complete short film. Despite the constraints, we pushed forward with passion and creativity. The entire process from directing, cinematography, lighting, editing, to visual effects was handled single-handedly by Naseer Haider Siddiqui. While I have previously worked with large crews on major productions, this marks my first fully self-executed project, shot over 9 days with dedication and a deep love for storytelling.

Director, Writer and Editor:
Naseer Haider Siddiqui

Production Company:
Black Bird Films

Cast & Crew:

Starring: Kamran Shaikh (Haunted Mansion, Outer Banks)

Directed, Written and Edited by: Naseer Haider Siddiqui

Produced by: Black Bird Films

High-intensity action & tactical combat

A father’s love & redemption

Psychological depth & emotional stakes

Fast-paced storytelling with cinematic visuals

Technical Details:

Genre: Action, Thriller

Runtime: 20 Minits

Format: 4K UHD 17:9

Sound: 5.1 Surround Sound

Filming Locations: Atlanta, Georgia

This is first ever solo production and post production single handed by Naseer Haider Siddiqui for camera, lights, edit, composite, animation and drone.

  • Naseer Haider Siddiqui
    Director
  • Naseer Haider Siddiqui
    Writer
  • Naseer Haider Siddiqui
    Producer
    House of Aradia, Alison 2024
  • Kamran Shaikh
    Key Cast
    "Kamran"
    Outer Banks, Cobra Kai, The Resident, Haunted Mansion, The Tutor
  • Daniel Wheat
    Key Cast
    "Dan"
    Ick, People in the walls, Cobra Kai, Cobra Kai Canada
  • Solange Oliver
    Key Cast
    "Sarah"
    Ironheart, The Blackening, Chicago Fire, Paper Girls, Night sky, 4400, Chicago PD
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 4, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital Blackmagic 6K RAW
  • Aspect Ratio:
    17:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Sweden Film Award
    Sweden Film Award
    Sweden
    April 19, 2025
    Finalist
  • Stockholm Film Festival
    Stockholm City
    Sweden
    May 14, 2025
    Winners
  • Thilsri International Film Festival

    India
    May 1, 2025
    BEST EXPERIMENTAL & SHORT FILM
    Winner
  • TRILOKA INTERNATIONAL FILMFARE AWARDS

    India
    June 6, 2025
    Best First time Director
    Winner
  • Majestic King International Film Festival

    India
    May 17, 2025
    BEST US SHORT FILM, BEST DIRECTOR, BEST CINEMAPHOTOGRAPHY
    Winner
  • Atlanta Film Festival
    Atlanta
    United States
    June 21, 2025
    Atlanta Film
Director - Naseer Haider Siddiqui