Forbidden is a short dramatic thriller inspired by a true story that follows a Sikh woman named Jasleen, who is running away with her Muslim lover, Fahwaz. Jasleen’s culture and religious conscious parents want her to marry within the Sikh community, and are shocked when she suddenly disappears. After Jasleen and Fahwaz elope, they think they have found happiness—but Jasleen’s family tracks the couple down and commit horrific acts in defense of their family honor.
- Short Films under 40 minutes
Forbidden
Drama
20 mins
United States
English
Winner
Jury Choice Best Debut Short Film (Family Drama) - Vibha Gulati, Debbie Vandermuelen- Best Director - Vibha Gulati
- Best Writer - Vibha Gulati
- Best Actor - Gulshan Grover
Trailer
Synopsis
Title:
Forbidden
Original Title:
Forbidden
Production Year:
2018
Casts:
Gulshan Grover
Salony Luthra
Gopal Divan
Dhanish Karthik
Producer:
Vibha Gulati, Debbie Vandermuelen, Alena Svyatova, Raj Vasudeva
Writer:
Vibha Gulati
Editor:
Manendra Singh Lodhi, Tristan Higgs
Dir. of Photography:
Paul Rondeau
Music:
Jordan Velgas
Director's Interview
Festival:
2020
Category:
Short Films under 40 minutes
Country:
United States
Language:
English
Director's Statement
Earlier, I was under the misconception that only women who belonged to lower socio- economic backgrounds in developing countries were the victims of honor violence. However, after some extensive research, I learned I was wrong. Women from first world countries also face this societal evil, which is growing at an alarming rate. Moreover, sadly, one can belong to any religion, nationality, socio-economic status, and/or education level and still be a victim of this atrocity at the hands of their own family members.
The mission of this film is to end violence against women living outside of their native countries. In addition, it is to ignite a social change that will compel the legal system to take action against criminals who commit heinous crimes against women in the name of family honor.
