Tapish BFA Fundraiser

Summary:

Tapish is a slow-cinema family drama set in the heat of summer, where the warmth feels both comforting and suffocating. The film is an intimate exploration of a South Asian family struggling with societal and self-imposed expectations. At the heart of the film is Mira, the eldest daughter, who is caught between her father and her absent mother, while grappling with her hidden relationship.

Director Note:

Tapish is a deeply personal exploration of family, identity, and unspoken tensions. As a South Asian woman, I have been fascinated by the way familial expectations shape our sense of self, often pushing us into molds that feel too tight, too suffocating. In Tapish, I wanted to capture the weight of these expectations through the quiet moments—the silence that fills a room, the tension in a touch, and the unspoken words left hanging in the air.

The film’s structure is intimate, almost tactile, as I want the audience to feel every moment as if they are living it themselves. The slow pace, the close-ups of hands pressing against carrom pieces, the sounds of everyday life—all these elements merge to evoke a visceral connection to the characters' underlying emotions.

At its core, Tapish is about the weight of secrecy and the slow unraveling of a family under the pressure of societal and self-imposed expectations. My goal is to create a space where the subtlety of emotion is seen, heard, and felt. Where the quiet struggles of identity and belonging are given the room to breathe. Through this film, I hope to offer a glimpse into a world where the smallest moments can carry the deepest emotions, and where silence holds the most meaning.

Why:

Having experienced the challenges of understanding identity within the framework of tradition, I am aware of how unspoken tensions can disturb family relationships, usually leading to unacknowledged emotional struggles.

As a creator, I hope to share stories that reflect my experiences so that others with similar intersecting identities can have something to relate to. Growing up, I struggled to see my intersection of identities represented in media. When I finally did, I had a visceral reaction. I hope that my films help people feel a similar way.

I want to prioritize creating an inclusive environment throughout all stages of production by fostering a space where everyone feels valued and heard. This includes building a cast and crew that reflects the diverse perspectives of creators of color, specifically South Asian creatives.

Stakes:

Our fundraising goal is $6,000, which would allow us to enhance the visual style of the film through production design and professional performances. With the funds raised, we hope to be able to transform our location to accurately represent a South Asian household.

Additionally, the common expenses of transportation, housing accommodation, food for the crew, film festival admission fees, and a professional hard drive for data storage are vital to our production.

Any donation is greatly appreciated, but even if you’re unable to contribute, there are other ways to help. Please share the donation link and our Instagram to help spread the word of this project. We appreciate your support of Tapish!