A Hindi short film titled GIRAH, created by Ahmedabad-based filmmakers Pratik Rathod and Dhrupad Shukla, has earned an official selection at the Egyptian American Film Festival (EAFF).
What began as an attempt to portray the female perspective in Indian households has now taken the team’s work to an international stage.“GIRAH speaks the emotional language of simple living. We’re grateful that a personal story from our city will now be showcased globally,” said cinematographer and co-producer Dhrupad Shukla.
Rathod, who recently worked as an acting coach for Vash: Level 2, added, “We wanted to explore how women navigate emotions, expectations, and choices in an Indian home. It’s a story anyone from Ahmedabad—or anywhere in India—can relate to.”The film, starring Hetal Shrivastav in the lead role, is set in a middle-class household and captures the unspoken tensions, love, and longing that shape everyday life.
The protagonist, Sunita, a wealthy woman who chose to marry into a modest family, finds herself torn between being “good” and staying true to her heart.Shot entirely at Rathod’s home to manage costs, GIRAH marks the duo’s first independently produced short film. “We faced budget constraints, but many people came forward to support us,” Shukla said.The film will be screened at the Center for the Arts, Staten Island, New York, from October 31 to November 4, 2025.Written by Rathod, the film also features him alongside Shrivastav.
The core team includes Zeal Pithva (Editor), Devkrit Baluni (Sound Design), Shubham Sengupta (Music), Dana Soniya & Suyog Tamanekhar (Poster Design), and Creative Producers Jeet Ajawalia & Het Panchal.
The project was mentored by acclaimed filmmaker Paresh Kamdar.“We’re honoured that a film made entirely in Ahmedabad with local talent will now reach international audiences,” said Rathod, encouraging young creators: “Just write it, and shoot it.”The filmmakers hope GIRAH’s recognition will inspire more artists from Gujarat to tell heartfelt stories with honesty and courage.