New York filmmaker Razid Season’s critically acclaimed film “Elijah” will be screened at the Huntington Beach Cultural Film Festival on September 13 and the Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival on September 25 at Camelot Theatres.
“Elijah,” follows a Bengali Muslim taxi driver, Haider, whose American Dream crumbles. His relationship with his transgender son challenges his past views on LGBTQ issues, forcing him to confront prejudice in his community to protect the child he loves.
The film has won multiple awards since its release in January 2025, including the Audience Choice Award at the Phoenix Film Festival and Best Film at the Bedford International Film Festival. It has also been showcased around the world, including the U.S. , Canada, Australia, Brazil, and India.
Season, director and writer said, “As a filmmaker, I wanted to bring stories from marginalized communities and create impactful and challenging films. The Huntington Beach Cultural Film Festival and Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival promote human dignity, which is an important element in building a better community. I feel honored that both festivals are sharing my film with the indie film lovers and LGBTQIA+ members of the both cities, Huntington Beach and Palm Springs.”
Lisa Phillips, a Toronto-based film critic, said, “I believe this film showcases the struggle of a transgender person from a culture that is not typically kind to LGBTQIA individuals.”
“Elijah” has a diverse cast. It stars Debjani Banerjee, Ajaz Alam, and Mithila Gazi in the leading roles, along with Devon Slotnick, Eva Visco, Edis Delgado, Samad Alamgir, Titu Gazi, Shaesta Khan, and Adela-Adriana Moscu in supporting roles.
“Elijah” is presented by Image Maker Films.
For more information about the screenings and tickets, please visit festival’s website at https://thecinemashowcase.wixsite.com/hbccs and https://www.psculturalcenter.org/filmfest/schedule-at-a-glance
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