Bambirak 2020 Discover Zamarin Wahdat’s compelling short film. Explore insights into this 2020 release, its themes, and creative vision.
š„ Bambirak 2020 Short Film: A Heartwarming Tale of Family and Identity š
Imagine a little girlās world, where a truck ride with her dad becomes an adventure of love, laughter, and life lessons. Thatās the magic of Bambirak, a 2020 short film directed by Zamarin Wahdat thatās as touching as it is timely. This 13-minute gem takes us on a journey with an Afghan father and daughter as they navigate a new country, their bond, and the quiet sting of racism. Itās a story thatās small in runtime but big in heart. š
š The Story: A Day That Changes Everything
Eight-year-old Kati (played by the adorable Lara Cengiz) is a curious bundle of energy who stows away in her dad Farukās (Kailas Mahadevan) delivery truck. Farukās just trying to hold down his first job in a new country while juggling single-dad duties. As they spend the day together, sneaking Kati into his deliveries, their relationship blooms like a sunflower in the sunshine. š» But when a simple stop at a flower shop turns into a brush with racism, their world tilts. Itās a moment that tests their bond and opens Katiās eyes to the grown-up challenges her dad faces every day.
š Why Itās Special: More Than Just a Film
Bambirak 2020 short film isnāt just a cute father-daughter taleāitās a mirror reflecting the real struggles of immigrant families. With a sprinkle of humor and a lot of heart, it tackles big themes like identity, belonging, and the quiet strength of love. The filmās magic lies in its simplicity: no over-the-top drama, just real moments that make you feel all the feels. š Itās like a warm hug on a tough day, reminding us that family is the ultimate anchor.
š¬ Meet the Dream Team
Director Zamarin Wahdat brings Bambirak to life with a gentle touch, letting the story breathe. Lara Cengiz shines as Kati, her wide-eyed wonder stealing every scene. Kailas Mahadevanās Faruk is a masterclass in quiet strengthāheās the dad we all wish we had. And letās not forget Merle Collet, who adds a spark of warmth in her supporting role. Together, theyāre a trio that feels like family. šØāš§
šØ Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Magic
Filmed on the streets of Germany, Bambirak captures the everyday beauty of life as an immigrant. Wahdat wanted the film to feel real, so they shot in actual locations, letting the cityās vibe seep into every frame. The result? A film thatās as authentic as it is adorable. š
š Festival Darling: Where Itās Been
Since its debut, Bambirak has been a festival favorite, lighting up screens at Sundance, the San Diego International Film Festival, and more. Itās earned rave reviews for its heartfelt storytelling and spot-on performances. Critics call it āsimple, empathetic filmmakingā and āa memorable vignette of a father and daughter.ā š
š What Itās Really About
At its core, Bambirak is a love letter to immigrant families everywhere. Itās about finding your place in a world that doesnāt always welcome you with open arms. But more than that, itās a reminder that loveāespecially between a parent and childācan weather any storm. š§ļøā”ļøš
š¬ Watch It Now!
Ready to experience Bambirak 2020 short film for yourself? You can catch it on streaming platforms like IMDb or MUBI. Or, if youāre lucky, spot it at a local film festival near you. Trust us, itās worth the watch. šæ
When 8-year-old Kati hides in her father’s delivery van, Faruk must juggle his responsibilities as a single dad while holding down his first job in a new country. As their relationship deepens, a brush with covert racism tests the bond between a father and daughter. A film by Zamarin Wahdat featuring Kailas Mahadevan and Lara Cengiz-Karinnes
AWARDS
- Sundance Film Festival 2021 – Winner International Prize of the Jury
- Max Ćphuls Preis 2021 MOP Shortlist
- Interfilm Festival 2022 – Winner Audience Award
- Nominee European Short Film Award 2023
- Palm Springs Film Festival 2022 – Honorable Mention for Bridging the Borders Award and Best Student U.S. Short
- International Film Festival Osnabrück 2020 – Winner of Best Student Film
WRITER & DIRECTOR / Zamarin Wahdat
PRODUCER / Joy Jorgensen
CINEMATOGRAPHY / Lorena Duran
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/ Joseph Sacket
PRODUCTION DESIGN / Sydney Buchan
COSTUME / Sophia May
SOUND / Gregory Oke
EDIT / Jenn Ruff and Alan Wu
COLOR / Alec Davis
SOUNDTRACK / Robert Rusli
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT / Philipp Bramring, Katrin Wahdat, Shayestah Wahdat
Production Company Killjoy Films
World Sales Representative Interfilm Berlin
Made with the support of the Hollywood Press Association Grant // NYU Tisch School of the Arts Grant // Film Fƶrderung Hamburg Schleswig Holstein & Film Werkstatt Kiel
š¬ Your Turn
Ever had a day that changed everything? Or felt the weight of being ādifferentā? Bambirak might just hit close to home. Share your thoughts belowāIād love to hear your take! š¬
Quick Recap:
- Where: Watch it on IMDb, MUBI, or at film festivals.
- What: A 13-minute short film about an Afghan father and daughter in a new country.
- Who: Directed by Zamarin Wahdat, starring Lara Cengiz and Kailas Mahadevan.
- Why: Itās a sweet, simple story about love, family, and the immigrant experience.