Director, artist and graphic designer Ali Godil premiered “American-istan,” a film that poignantly examines the immigrant experience during the pre-digital era, based on the true story of his parents’ reunion and arranged marriage in America during the 1980s. With an eye toward increasing the aperture of what it means to be American, Ali’s short injects an intimate narrative with a stylized Bollywood veneer.
Click HERE to view the film.
Synopsis: A rich girl from Pakistan must adjust to lower-class American life after getting an arranged marriage. After leaving her family, Iman sacrifices everything by coming to America. She is forced to confront new expectations from her husband, Salim, and struggle with the roles and dynamics of what life is really like in the land of opportunity versus the fantasy in her head.
Blending romantic colorful scenes pulled straight from 80s-era Bollywood films with stark historical fact, Ali marries the rose-colored glasses of his young mother, the character Iman, with the immigration struggles his father Salim faced (both names were changed), coming to a poignant head in the parking lot of a McDonalds. Acting as a symbol of hope and prosperity, and even luxury, for many Middle Eastern and Asian immigrants of the era arriving in the U.S., Salim's idea of a romantic, authentically American dinner date over McDonald’s fish filets is sharply contrasted by Iman’s expectation of the wealthy lifestyles Americans espoused. Exposing for viewers the power of symbolism and the joy of the present moment in the great rush to economic progress and seeking a better life for your family.
Ali Godil is a Portland-based artist, filmmaker, creative director and designer who believes in the power of beauty, including ethics and aesthetics, to create emotionally impactful concepts, designs and content. He aims to push culture forward with his work, ultimately uplifting the human experience.
About Even/Odd
Even/Odd is a creative studio and production company for bold campaigns, experiences, and original content. Led by the perspectives of our diverse multi-disciplinary talent, we create culture-expanding projects to inspire a new future of art, innovation, and storytelling.
Based in San Francisco & Los Angeles. Collaborating globally.
