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.
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Ryan JafriDirectorThe Cure
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Ryan JafriWriterThe Cure
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Ben WoodiwissWriterBenny Loves Killing
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Aliki ParaschisProducerThe Sounding
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Armaan ViraniDPLike Old Times
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Tom MartinKey Cast"Man"
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Alex HebertKey Cast"The Other (voice) "
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Project Type:Short
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Genres:noir, thriller, suspense
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Runtime:13 minutes 36 seconds
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Completion Date:January 3, 2022
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Super 16mm
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Aspect Ratio:4:3
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Film Color:Black & White
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Oregon Short Film FestivalPortland, Oregon
United States
February 19, 2022
North America Premiere
Finalist: Best Editing -
Oregon Screams Horror Film FestivalPortland, Oregon
United States
March 12, 2022
Finalist: Best Dark Drama -
Austin After Dark Film FestivalAustin, Texas
United States
May 22, 2022
Winner: Best Dark Drama -
Ramsgate International Film and TV FestivalRamsgate, England
United Kingdom
June 10, 2022
International Premiere
Official Selection -
Long Island International Film ExpoBellmore, New York
United States
July 14, 2022
Nominee: Best Art Direction -
Peekskill Film FestivalPeekskill, New York
United States
June 25, 2022
Winner: Best Cinematography -
HorrOrigins Film FestivalTucson, Arizona
United States
October 1, 2022
Winner: Best Actor (short film) -
New York Shorts International Film FestivalNew York, New York
United States
October 21, 2022
Official Selection -
The Pittsburgh Moving Picture Festival: Thriller Picture ShowPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
United States
October 22, 2022
Winner: Best Director; Best Actor; Best Cinematographer; Best Score -
Sunscreen Film Festival WestHermosa Beach, CA
United States
November 4, 2022
Official Selection -
Berlin Indie Film FestivalBerlin
Germany
November 16, 2022
European Premiere
Winner: Best Thriller Film (short); Best Actor (short); Best Director (short) -
Wildsound Audience Feedback Film FestivalToronto
Canada
February 24, 2023
Winner: Audience Award for Best Short Film -
RapidLion - The South African International Film FestivalJohannesburg
South Africa
March 9, 2023
South Africa Premiere
Official Selection -
Atlanta After Dark Film FestivalAtlanta, Georgia
United States
April 12, 2023
Nominee: Best Dark Drama Film -
Northeast Pennsylvania Film FestivalWaverly, PA
United States
April 16, 2023
Official Selection -
Chain NYC Film FestivalNew York City
United States
August 9, 2023
Official Selection
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.
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.