Elijah Highlights South Asian LGBTQ+ Experiences

Image Maker Films, a New York-based nonprofit arts organization, has concluded a month-long Pride Month screening initiative featuring its award-winning film Elijah, bringing conversations about “family acceptance, faith, identity, and LGBTQ+ inclusion” to libraries, universities, and community organizations across New York and Connecticut.

According to a statement from the organization, the June initiative was conducted in partnership with the Asian American/Asian Research Institute (AAARI) at the City University of New York, Wallingford Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and New York Public Library. Each screening was followed by community discussions designed to foster dialogue among people from diverse cultural, religious, and generational backgrounds.

Written and directed by New York filmmaker Razid Season, Elijah follows a South Asian immigrant taxi driver whose understanding of family, faith, and unconditional love is challenged when his young child begins a gender transition. Inspired by true events, the film explores themes of “identity, compassion,” and the evolving meaning of family while encouraging conversations about the experiences of transgender individuals and their loved ones.

According to the statement, Elijah has been officially selected for more than 50 international film festivals since its premiere and has received multiple awards recognizing its storytelling and social impact.

“The film has also screened and received recognition at Indian film festivals, reflecting its growing resonance with audiences both in the United States and internationally,” the statement said. “During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2026, Image Maker Films presented a month-long series of public screenings and discussions celebrating Asian American voices and storytelling through Elijah.”

“Elijah portrays gender dysphoria with remarkable authenticity,” said Jillian Celentano, author, clinical counselor, and transgender advocate. “The film is deeply engaging. Rather than relying on extensive dialogue, it communicates through carefully crafted images, subtle performances, and quiet moments that draw viewers into the emotional reality of gender dysphoria. It stays with you long after the film ends.”

“As a South Asian filmmaker, I wanted to tell a story that authentically reflects our community without relying on stereotypes,” said Season, writer and director of Elijah. “Many immigrant families struggle to talk openly about identity, faith, and acceptance, yet those conversations are happening every day. Through Elijah, we’ve created spaces where people from Asian, LGBTQ+, faith, and broader communities can come together, listen to one another, and discover that empathy often begins with seeing ourselves honestly represented on screen.”

Beyond its Pride Month initiative, Elijah has also been screened by educational institutions and community organizations, including Yale University, University of California, San Francisco, the Asian Pacific Statewide Alliance, APICHA Community Health Center, DRUM (Desis Rising Up & Moving), Dawat, the LGBTQ+ Center at The City College of New York, the Gay Senior Center of Queens & Long Island, and numerous libraries and community organizations across the United States.

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