Who Are We? And Why This Film?
THE DIRECTOR
![]()
Priya Khanolkar is a small-town Iowan taking on the big city! A senior studying Film and Television at Tisch School of the Arts and minoring in Business and CS, Priya is also a Co-Director for NYU’s Fusion Film Festival, New York University’s premiere festival dedicated to celebrating women in film, television, and new media. Priya strives to make an impact in the film industry by promoting gender equality and people of colour by making heartwarming and thought-provoking content.
At its core, Aloo is a story about family dynamics, cultural sacrifices, and the pressure immigrants as well as first-generation Americans have to fit in. This film also showcases life in the Midwest which is not often seen on the silver screen.
"As a Indian-American who grew up Iowa, I wanted to feature the two cultures which truly make me who I am today.” -Priya Khanolkar, Writer/Director of Aloo
THE PRODUCERS
![]()
David Benedict has a B.F.A. in Film & TV from NYU Tisch with minors in the Business and French. Outside of producing & directing, David is co-founder of Tiny Bear Films, where she serves as treasurer. David is committed to promoting diverse voices and storytelling, and is well-practiced at finding creative solutions to a wide array of challenges.
.
Shannon Morgan has had a pulse on the business world since she was born. Through a family business, Shannon has invaluable experience researching and creating business proposals. Further throughout her time in college, she has served as Treasurer for the School of Professional Studies, where she was in charge of creating budgets and fundraising via strategic partnerships, and now currently serves as Senator for the School of Professional Studies.
THE DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
![]()
Yasmin Gorenberg, born in Jerusalem, fell in love with the moving image at age 10. She moved to New York to study and pursue a career in film. Yasmin has worked as a cinematographer on documentaries, experimental and narrative films and just wrapped her own narrative film last December. Having grown up in a conflict area she to chooses to explore with her camerawork stories about trauma and tension side by side with films that concentrate on the relationships that bring out humanity in all people.
What We Need & What You Get
To bring this film to life, Priya has gathered an all-star, all-female crew, who all share her vision. A film production is a costly endeavor though. That’s why we need your help to carry us to the finish line! Your contribution will help create the world in which Aloo takes place. This includes locking the phenomenal locations, filling them with spectacular production design, transportation for our cast and crew, as well as feeding the many individuals who are bringing this film come to life.
We’re relying on the kindness of friends, family, and strangers to help bring this story to the big screen.
We have fun, amazing rewards for those who decide to donate (check ‘em out!). We hope you decide to donate or share this campaign on social media and spread the word!
The Impact
Aloo is a film that sheds light on many different perspectives which don’t usually get to be seen on the silver screen. This is a story about cultural sacrifice and identity, and gives the spotlight to the Indian community. For those who are South Asian, there’s something truly special seeing your world represented on screen and in the past few years South Asians are finally being seen. And not just as the taxi driver or the math whiz, but as everyday individuals going to the grocery store or enjoying a meal. Films affect how we see others and how we think about ourselves, and that is why representation in media is so integral to our society today. And, Aloo takes place in the rural Midwest, showcasing communities that are truly only experienced by the individuals who grew up in them.
By funding this film you will also be funding the future of filmmaking. We are thrilled to have so many strong and extremely creative women filling out leading roles behind, as well as in front of, the camera. By backing this film, you are backing a movement, a community of game changers.
Risks & Challenges
As with any film, Aloo presents unique challenges. To accurately represent the authentic Midwestern experience, we will need to travel well outside New York City. This means accommodating our cast and crew locally to our shooting locations. We will need to provide meals, bedding, toiletries, and more for around 20 people for 4 days. Your generosity will help our crew get a good night’s sleep and be ready to go in the morning!
Additionally, while we have already secured an ideal house location in which to film, we will need to furnish it. This presents both logistical (moving large pieces of furniture) and financial (we need a large number of items, some of which can easily be expensive) challenges. With your help, we can truly bring Amara’s home to life.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you are unable to contribute monetarily, there are many other ways you can help us. Noncash donations—such as food or props and also spreading the word about Aloo and sharing our campaign with anyone and everyone is also a great help!
Thank you so much for your support, and we are truly enthusiastic about bringing Amara's story to life and sharing it with the world.
