Narrative Short Competition presented by You42

If I Die in America

According to Muslim practice, burial ought to occur within 24 hours of death — so after Manny’s immigrant husband, Sameer, passes away in an accident, he is confronted by a representative of Sameer’s family urging him to sign the paperwork needed to ship the body back to Kuwait. Manny initially refuses, clinging to his rights as Sameer's husband, while knowing that with every passing hour, Sameer's family grow more infuriated. After an emotional climax, spurred on by the family’s homophobic claim that Manny and Sameer’s marriage was merely a green-card arrangement, Manny comes to realize that his objections won't change the fact that his husband died — try as he might, he cannot delay grief.

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photo of Ward Kamel

Credits

Director:

Ward Kamel

Producer:

Adrián Lausell Cabán, Cameron Morton

Screenwriter:

Ward Kamel

Cinematographer:

Idil Eryurekli

Editor:

Nathaniel Stevens

Production Designer:

Sophia Uehara

Sound Designer:

Pat Zimmon

Principal Cast:

Gil Perez-Abraham, Hana Chamoun, George Shakkour, Moud Sabra, Ilham Malki

Additional Credits:

Assistant Director: Catrin Ody, Costume Designer: Isabella Evans, Assoc. Producer: Yasemin Bilgen

Contact

Public Film Contact:

Ward Kamel
Elessar Films
kamel.ward@gmail.com

Publicity Contact:

Adrián Lausell Cabán
alausell@gmail.com
+1 (787) 925-9757

Primary Access
Platinum Badge
Film & TV Badge
Secondary Access
Music Badge
Interactive Badge
Film & TV Festival Wristband
About
Year:
2023
Premiere Status:
Genre:
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Language:
Runtime:
15 mins