Family

Directed by Shaiek Ahmed Rana

Edited by Mathias Andre

2026

Truth Arts / NFX Films

Family is the directorial debut of Shaiek Ahmed Rana, a West Midlands filmmaker who received funding provided by Reel Brum and and Open Door grant for his short script that has ultimately led to this first film ‘Family’.

We open with 2 young women (Karendip Phull as Sarah and Aleesha Gill as Ayesha) whose argument at home spills out onto the street as they run into their friend Ali (played by the director himself). The girls refuse to explain their conflict to Ali (and the audience) and they all jump in the car and head off.

Next, we glimpse a brief journey before getting a brilliant tracking shot that moves along to their final location - a police station. On exiting, the girls seem to have cooled a little between them but are still very upset, as we are told the police have not taken their claims seriously.

We return to the home and Sarah finally shares haunting news with Ali that she was abused by a family member. Ali is distraught but also frustrated the girls waited a month to act and Sarah begins to blame herself after he Auntie fails to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation.

Filmed in a gritty black and white style, there’s echoes of the best of Shane Meadows output with its stark handheld lens focused on social drama. It has to be said that director of Photography and Editor Idriss Assoumanou has done a brilliant job here.

Another thing of note is the excellent blocking. This local film has put in huge effort to create interesting sequences that blend character moments with an interesting visual experience. The film’s first shot is a fantastic “oner” of over-the-shoulder, two and three shots, tracking and movement. This excellently brings you into the film from the outset.

As the story continues, we get candid moments of private conversations as well as sequences of incredible anger as the conflicts begin to tear the family in different directions. Without spoilers, we are asked whether a plan to get the extended family together will truly achieve anything.

Delivering all this drama are the three lead actors who are all wonderful. All of whom were nominated at this year’s Midlands Movies Awards for their efforts and each bring unique aspects to their roles. Karendip Phull as Sarah gives an emotional turn as a victim of abuse. Whilst Aleesha Gill does equally well with her role as a supportive and understanding friend. And Shaiek Ahmed Rana starts by providing a lighter antidote to the more serious themes on display, before delivering raging dramatic moments as truths are revealed.

Family is a magnificent short film. Even better for a debut as well. Tackling an already important topic, it does so with sensitivity but also provides some understandable anger and the inevitable difficult conversations. Placing it amongst the cultural and generational differences of a British South Asian Bangladeshi family adds an interesting layer as well. The filmmaker and actor should be extremely proud of his film, given that it combines thoughtful issues with expert technical aspects to deliver an engrossing film about the unspeakable events that go on behind closed doors.

★★★★★

5 / 5

Michael Sales

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