‘Elijah’ Sparks Conversations On Family, Faith, LGBTQ Inclusion

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY – Throughout Pride Month, a New York nonprofit used film to encourage conversations about family acceptance, faith, and gender identity in communities across New York and Connecticut.

Image Maker Films, a nonprofit arts organization, concluded a month-long screening initiative featuring its award-winning film ‘Elijah,’ partnering with libraries, universities and community organizations to host public screenings followed by discussions. The events were held in collaboration with the Asian American/Asian Research Institute at the City University of New York, Wallingford Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and New York Public Library.

Written and directed by New York filmmaker Razid Season, ‘Elijah’ tells the story of a South Asian immigrant taxi driver whose beliefs about family, faith and unconditional love are challenged when his young child begins a gender transition. Inspired by true events, the film explores identity, compassion and the evolving meaning of family while highlighting the experiences of transgender individuals and their loved ones.

Since its premiere, ‘Elijah’ has been selected by more than 50 international film festivals and has received multiple awards for its storytelling and social impact. The film has also been screened at Indian film festivals, reflecting its growing reach among audiences in the United States and abroad. Earlier this year, during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Image Maker Films presented another month-long series of screenings and discussions centered on Asian American storytelling through ‘Elijah.’

Beyond its recent initiatives, the film has been presented by institutions and organizations including Yale University, the University of California, San Francisco, APICHA Community Health Center, DRUM (Desis Rising Up & Moving), Dawat, the LGBTQ+ Center at The City College of New York and the Gay Senior Center of Queens & Long Island, along with libraries and community groups across the country.

“Elijah portrays gender dysphoria with remarkable authenticity,” said Jillian Celentano, author, clinical counselor and transgender advocate. “Rather than relying on extensive dialogue, it communicates through carefully crafted images, subtle performances and quiet moments that draw viewers into the emotional reality of gender dysphoria.”

Season said the film was created to reflect South Asian immigrant experiences without relying on stereotypes.

“Many immigrant families struggle to talk openly about identity, faith and acceptance, yet those conversations are happening every day,” he said. “Through ‘Elijah,’ we’ve created spaces where people from Asian, LGBTQ+, faith and broader communities can come together, listen to one another and discover that empathy often begins with seeing ourselves honestly represented on screen.”

Founded in 2020, Image Maker Films produces films and public programs focused on underrepresented communities and continues to present ‘Elijah’ through educational and community partnerships nationwide.