Reticence: A Satya Sawhney & Kevin Zando Film

Introduction to the Filmmakers

Satya Sawhney and Kevin Zandomenego first met while studying at Bucknell University.

At the time, Satya was co-producing the Stories of the Susquehanna River trilogy with a group of students on campus. Those documentaries were eventually published by PBS affiliate WVIA.

Their joint interest and passion for film led them to become close friends, and they've remained so throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the years after college.

Since graduating college, Satya has produced and directed two short films, Luxury Trap and Thank You, Today. The former debuted at the New York City Independent Film Festival, where it was nominated for Best Super Short. Both films were produced with $0 in external funding.

An avid film-enthusiast, Kevin pitched the concept of Reticence to Satya in March 2023. Originally intended to be a short film, they began developing the story which manifested in a feature-length screenplay.

Synopsis

Reticence is a psychological thriller that explores the relationship between service workers and those they serve. Our protagonist, Arthur, is a night-shift doorman of a mid-lux building on Manhattan's Upper East Side. A quiet figure, the film chronicles his attempted journey to modernize his lifestyle in an unfamiliar world - spurred by his interest in his residents' lifestyles.

Class disparities, relationship dynamics, social media, coming of age - these themes underlie the movie's narrative.

This film aims to cause a moment of reflection amongst all of us.

Budgeting Priorities

We do not ask for donations lightly. Originally intended to be fully self-funded, we have poured extensive resources into the making of this project.

We humbly reach for donations to get us across the finish line. Specifically, funds will go to:

Props

Wardrobe

Set Rentals

Gaffer

Post Production

What You’ll Receive

We accept and appreciate donations of all sizes. The following are rewards for your donations:

$20 - Film Credit

$40 - Credit, Ticket to Premier and Afterparty

$100 - Credit, Premier, Afterparty, Signed 20X30 Movie Poster (Mailed to you)

For larger investments, please reach out to Satya or Kevin for details regarding your share of the film’s profits.

Intentions

This is a dream project for both filmmakers.

We will debut the film at an informal premier for donors.

But the goal is for the film to make its formal debut at TriBeCa Film Festival, 2023. From there, we intend for the film to be featured at other festivals around the world.

Film festivals remain a clear pathway to securing distribution.

Other Ways You Can Help

For those unable to donate, we would greatly appreciate you sharing this page with those around you. We can’t do this without your help, so please share, share, share. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Kevin & Satya