Private Project

The Call

1965. A small man in a big world works hard to close a deal, doing everything he can to please his boss. But the clock is ticking, and someone is out to get him.

  • Ryan Jafri
    Director
    The Cure
  • Ryan Jafri
    Writer
    The Cure
  • Ben Woodiwiss
    Writer
    Benny Loves Killing
  • Aliki Paraschis
    Producer
    The Sounding
  • Armaan Virani
    DP
    Like Old Times
  • Tom Martin
    Key Cast
    "Man"
  • Alex Hebert
    Key Cast
    "The Other (voice) "
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    noir, thriller, suspense
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 36 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 3, 2022
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Super 16mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Oregon Short Film Festival
    Portland, Oregon
    United States
    February 19, 2022
    North America Premiere
    Finalist: Best Editing
  • Oregon Screams Horror Film Festival
    Portland, Oregon
    United States
    March 12, 2022
    Finalist: Best Dark Drama
  • Austin After Dark Film Festival
    Austin, Texas
    United States
    May 22, 2022
    Winner: Best Dark Drama
  • Ramsgate International Film and TV Festival
    Ramsgate, England
    United Kingdom
    June 10, 2022
    International Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Long Island International Film Expo
    Bellmore, New York
    United States
    July 14, 2022
    Nominee: Best Art Direction
  • Peekskill Film Festival
    Peekskill, New York
    United States
    June 25, 2022
    Winner: Best Cinematography
  • HorrOrigins Film Festival
    Tucson, Arizona
    United States
    October 1, 2022
    Winner: Best Actor (short film)
  • New York Shorts International Film Festival
    New York, New York
    United States
    October 21, 2022
    Official Selection
  • The Pittsburgh Moving Picture Festival: Thriller Picture Show
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    United States
    October 22, 2022
    Winner: Best Director; Best Actor; Best Cinematographer; Best Score
  • Sunscreen Film Festival West
    Hermosa Beach, CA
    United States
    November 4, 2022
    Official Selection
  • Berlin Indie Film Festival
    Berlin
    Germany
    November 16, 2022
    European Premiere
    Winner: Best Thriller Film (short); Best Actor (short); Best Director (short)
  • Wildsound Audience Feedback Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    February 24, 2023
    Winner: Audience Award for Best Short Film
  • RapidLion - The South African International Film Festival
    Johannesburg
    South Africa
    March 9, 2023
    South Africa Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Atlanta After Dark Film Festival
    Atlanta, Georgia
    United States
    April 12, 2023
    Nominee: Best Dark Drama Film
  • Northeast Pennsylvania Film Festival
    Waverly, PA
    United States
    April 16, 2023
    Official Selection
  • Chain NYC Film Festival
    New York City
    United States
    August 9, 2023
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Ryan Jafri

Ryan Yaver Jafri was born in New York and has lived and studied there ever since. From childhood, he's had a passion for cinema. As a toddler Ryan would create small stop-motion films with his Uncle and by doing so, he discovered that even with basic equipment and props, one can bring to life a new world through the art of film. During his teen years, he could not help but analyze T.V. shows and movies. Ryan would break down components of scenes ranging from dialogue, blocking, mise en scène, and more. Sometimes he would take it a step further and think of how he'd apply his then-budding style to what he had just viewed. Around the time he graduated from high school, Ryan decided to pursue an education in filmmaking.

During his time at the New York Film Academy, SUNY Oneonta, and Fordham University, Ryan's education revolved around writing, directing, and behavioral science. Shortly after graduating from SUNY Oneonta, he completed his first short film "The Cure" which screened at festivals worldwide. Afterward, Ryan gained further experience by working on various productions, spanning from TV programs to short and feature-length films. Ryan's commitment to his education and screenwriting led him to collaborate with fellow writers on multiple scripts. During this time, Ryan also earned a Master's Degree from Fordham University. Not long after that, Ryan co-wrote and directed the short film "The Call," which has been screened at film festivals worldwide, much like his first film.

He is a filmmaker whose work thus far has been geared toward the darker side of the world we live in. His films are thought-provoking pieces designed to give viewers insight into the possible ramifications of real-world scenarios. But regardless of whether he's writing or directing, Ryan aims to surprise while staying faithful to the story being told.

During his free time, Ryan finds joy in capturing moments through his camera lens, immersing himself in the world of literature, and spending time with friends and family.

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Director Statement

I've always been intrigued by films that have compelling stories told within the confines of few settings. That is why directing The Call, as well as co-writing it, means a lot to me. Despite the film's one setting and the protagonist's seemingly trivial predicament, its story still takes a deep dive into the darkest corners of the human condition. The film stems from my fascination with dark and sinister tales that are grounded in reality. Thus, I saw The Call as an opportunity to create a metaphor for the anxious and paranoid times we live in.

This production was truly a labor of love. From the very beginning, I envisioned the film to be shot on 16mm black and white film with a 4:3 aspect ratio. This combination was very effective in terms of creating a sense of claustrophobia which speaks to the protagonist's state of mind. The cinematographer, Armaan Virani, completely understood the look I was going for and implemented it perfectly. Casting the film was very exciting. As soon as I watched Tom's audition I knew he was the right choice. His talent, dedication and attention to detail shine thru in his performance.

Unfortunately, production was delayed twice due to the challenges presented to us by the pandemic. But my collaborators and I didn't let these setbacks stop us. We worked hard on getting all the details right knowing the film will get made no matter what. And that it did. I am proud of the film and look forward to screening it for festival audiences.