Elijah (2024 film)

Elijah is a 2024 American short drama film produced, written, and directed by Razid Season.

It is a narrative film by Season, inspired by true characters. The film follows a Bengali Muslim yellow cab driver who faces mounting pressure in New York City from financial hardship and fading dreams, as well as his daughter's coming out as transgender, forcing him to reexamine the limits of his love and understanding.

The film had its initial release in the festival circuit in November 2024 and has been screened at numerous film festivals. The film stars Asian American actors as well as American actors. Harvey Brownstone, the first openly gay judge in Canada, is the film's executive producer. Piotr Kajstura and Richard Kwolek are the producers.

The film was screened at several Asian American Pacific Islander Film Festivals in May 2025 as part of AAPI Heritage Month.

Plot

Haider, a Bengali Muslim taxi driver faces the reality that the American Dream may never be his. Grueling hours, rude customers, a collapse in medallion values and suicides among fellow drivers continually chip away at his hope for the future. Under this backdrop, crisis spills into his family life as his child, Shoshi, is consumed by a struggle: a desire to live life fully as man in a transphobic immigrant culture. His relationship with his transgender son challenges his past views on LGBTQ issues, forcing him to confront prejudice in his community to protect the child he loves.

Cast

Ajaz Alam as Haider
Mithila Gazi as Elijah
Debjani Banerjee as Mother of Elijah
Shaesta Khan as Bride
Samad Alamgir as Mozammel
Titu Gazi as Bakshi
Eva Visco as Passenger
Edis JD as Passenger
Adela-Adriana Moscu as Passenger
Mir Azam as Friend of Haider
Devon Slotnick as Friend of Elijah
Marsin Mogielski as Drag Queen

Awards

Community Screenings

The film has been invited by a number of organizations around the U.S. that include the University of California, San Francisco, Asian Pacific Statewide Alliance of California, The Bryant Library, Gay Senior Center of Queens, Genesis Cinema in London, New Plaza Cinema and the Brooklyn Community Pride Center.

External Reviews

Subtle But Powerful: 'Elijah' is a meticulous depiction of gender, identity, culture and immigrant struggle. Author: A. K. M Ashraful Amin, Dallas Voice

Film Review: The Duality Of Family In Razid Season's Elijah. Author: Abigail Zara, Muskoka 411

'Elijah' Tells Story of Belonging and Identity. Author: Vaibhavi Badve, Sampan

Film Review 'Elijah': Trans Coming-Of-Age Brings Hope To Immigrant Cinemas. Author: Patricia Colmenero, Muskoka 411