Image Maker Films, a New York-based nonprofit arts organization, has concluded a month-long Pride Month screening series for its film “Elijah,” bringing discussions on family acceptance, faith, gender identity and LGBTQ+ inclusion to libraries, universities and community organizations across New York and Connecticut.
Throughout June, the organization held screenings at the Asian American/Asian Research Institute (AAARI) at the City University of New York, Wallingford Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and New York Public Library. Each event included a post-screening discussion involving participants from different cultural, religious and generational backgrounds.
Written and directed by New York filmmaker Razid Season, “Elijah” follows a South Asian immigrant taxi driver whose understanding of family, faith and unconditional love is challenged after his young child begins a gender transition. Inspired by true events, the film explores identity, compassion and family relationships while examining the experiences of transgender individuals and their families.
Since its premiere, “Elijah” has been selected for more than 50 international film festivals and has received several awards. The film has also screened at film festivals in India.
Earlier this year, during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Image Maker Films organized a month-long public screening series featuring “Elijah” focused on Asian American stories.
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The film has also been screened by educational institutions and community organizations, including Yale University, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), the Asian Pacific Statewide Alliance (APSA) of California, APICHA Community Health Center, DRUM (Desis Rising Up & Moving), Dawat, the LGBTQ+ Center at The City College of New York, the Gay Senior Center of Queens & Long Island, and libraries and community organizations across the United States.
“Elijah portrays gender dysphoria with remarkable authenticity,” said Jillian Celentano, author, clinical counselor, and transgender advocate. “The film is deeply engaging. 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. It stays with you long after the film ends.”
“As a South Asian filmmaker, I wanted to tell a story that authentically reflects our community without relying on stereotypes,” said Season, writer and director of “Elijah.” “Many immigrant families struggle to talk openly about identity, faith, and acceptance, yet those conversations are happening every day. 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 is a nonprofit arts organization that produces films and public programs focused on underrepresented communities, including LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, refugees, religious minorities and women. It partners with libraries, universities, museums, advocacy organizations and cultural institutions to present films and discussions on social issues.
According to the organization, “Elijah” will continue to be screened through educational, cultural and community partnerships while it develops projects focused on human rights, migration, social justice and cross-cultural issues.