Private Project

The Senator

“The Senator” takes place in the late 1950’s, less than 100 years ago, and displays a day in the life of Essie and Carrie Butler. Their story guides attention towards issues that have transcended time and are still an issue in modern day society, such as racism and the role of women.

  • Shayain Lakhani
    Director
    Odyssey, Hot Case, Choose Happy: A Coca-Cola Regal Films Commercial
  • Beeka Regalla
    Writer
  • Shayain Lakhani
    Producer
  • MK Smith
    Key Cast
    "Carrie Butler"
  • Brian T. Shirley
    Key Cast
    "Senator Thurmond"
  • Carrington Chapital
    Key Cast
    "Essie May Williams"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 48 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 14, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    7,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, RED, ZEISS CP2
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes
  • Jubilee International Film Festival
    Lisbon
    Portugal
    September 5, 2018
    Official Selection
  • National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences: Student Production Awards
    Atlanta
    United States
    July 9, 2018
Director Biography - Shayain Lakhani

From Atlanta GA, Shayain Lakhani is a First-Generation Muslim American Filmmaker at the Savannah College of Art and Design. As a student, Shayain won 5 National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences: Student Southeast Emmy Awards in 2018 and the 2019 Coca-Cola Regal Films Competition. He has produced a Single-Camera Television Show, various short and long-form narrative films, music videos, and aspires to be a studio director. As of now, his films have been accepted in over 30 national and international festivals along with numerous accolades around the world.

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