CO-DIRECTOR

Saritha Rothermel is a Thai-American filmmaker and licensed professional counselor whose work sits at the intersection of healing and storytelling. Saritha specializes in working with young people facing trauma, suicide risk, and post traumatic stress, which brings a profound depth of empathy and psychological insight to her filmmaking.

This film marks her directorial debut, where she blends her clinical expertise with a cinematic lens to illuminate the complexities of identity, resilience, and the human spirit.

CO-DIRECTOR

Samuel Soliman is an impact driven photographer, director, and mental health advocate whose work is rooted in resilience and the pursuit of justice. For nearly a decade, he has used visual storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices and inspire meaningful change. Sam’s most personal work emerges from his own life: as a DACA recipient navigating an uncertain future and as a son grappling with the sudden deportation of his mother. By turning the camera on himself, he confronts the intimate realities of immigration in America with raw honesty and courage. His story, unfolding at a moment when the nation is reckoning with the politics of belonging, reflects both the urgency of the present and the power of film to humanize the headlines.

PRODUCER

Adrian is an American film director, cinematographer and commercial producer. After founding his production company Cowboy Bear Ninja in 2011, Adrian created the Red Bull TV/Netflix series Liquid Science with GZA of the Wu Tang Clan, which explored the connection between arts, science and music through the language of hip hop. He then served as executive producer on TruTV's Paid Off with Michael Torpey, a dark comedy game show calling attention to the student loan debt crisis that FastCompany called, “the most 2018 TV ever”.

Throughout his 25+ years behind the camera, Adrian has shot and directed numerous narrative films, ad campaigns, documentaries, and branded content videos. He loves the opportunity to give voice to the voiceless and works to channel that energy into his many collaborations.

PRODUCER

Baktash Ahadi is an Emmy Award–winning filmmaker. Through his directing, producing, and writing, he brings to life stories that illuminate the human condition—stories that capture the power of hope, resilience, friendship, especially within contexts of conflict, loss, and love.

His award-winning films have been showcased at notable festivals such as Tribeca, SXSW, Telluride, Toronto Film Festival (TIFF), and DOC NYC, collecting multiple Jury and Audience Awards, Peabody Awards, and multiple Emmys. Two of his films have also made it onto the Oscars shortlist, underscoring his dedication to creating work that resonates deeply with audiences around the globe.

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Evan is a Brooklyn based Director of Photography and hot sauce enthusiast. He fell in love with visual storytelling from a young age. A camera in his hands feels like an extension of what he sees. He works on a range of productions from Documentaries, Music Videos, Commercials, and Union Feature Films. He’s done it and lived to tell the tale.

But he just isn’t limited to New York. Evan travels all around the country. From the marshes of Louisiana to the cliffs of the West Coast. Evan goes where the story is.

Michael makes films with the belief that a good story can change you. His career as a filmmaker has taken him from Rwanda to Times Square. His work has been featured on PBS, Universal, and SXSW.

Michael co-founded CHAIYO, an editorial studio focused on telling stories that spark empathy. goes here