Private Project

Kaju Katli

Kaju Katli is short film that follows Akshay as he struggles to prepare kaju katli for the evenings Diwali party. His family and friends attempt to guide him, but Akshay pushes them away, consumed by grief. He is ultamitely forced to consider the true reason he is struggling to create this dessert, and his place in his culture.

  • Sujay Khona
    Director
  • Sujay Khona
    Writer
  • Natalia Melnikova
    Writer
  • Daniel Zaitoun
    Producer
  • Aadith Iyer
    Key Cast
    "Akshay"
  • Shriya Bharadwaz
    Key Cast
    "Aditi"
  • Bodhi Bryan-Roig
    Editor
  • Nate Henry
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 52 seconds
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English, Marathi
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - George Mason University
Director Biography - Sujay Khona

Sujay Khona is a director and cinematographer from Chantilly, Virginia. He is currently completing his senior year at George Mason University. His interest in film began in elementary school, where he would create action videos with his younger sister. In high school, he developed short films, entering them in local and national contests to national success. At Mason, Sujay has deepened his interest in cinematography and directing, working with other students to create short films, music videos, and documentaries. He has worked at the Film at Mason Equipment Cage, along with working freelance video production jobs. He also competes on the nationally ranked GMU Forensic Speech Team. He's excited to continue telling stories that expand narratives surrounding his identity, and empowering others to do the same.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a first-generation immigrant, I have not always valued the importance of the ways my family subconsciously connected me to India, especially because I felt that aspects of my identity created a divide between me and my cultural heritage. However, as I’ve grown up and become my own person, I’ve become more connected to India and felt more value in how my family has endeavored to connect me to my roots.

These endeavors are not just a way to ensure that cultural traditions stay in practice, but also a reminder of the roots that bridge communities together, regardless of the distance and time that may have passed.

I am inspired by the coming-of-age narratives explored in Shiva Baby and Lady Bird and the emotionally inspired filmmaking of Wong Kar Wai. With this film, I want to portray cultural spaces' value for my community and the comfort they can bring as we struggle with grief.