BETWEEN DUST AND RAIN

In a drought-stricken rural village, a timid bandit, Cheenie, is coerced by his domineering accomplice into impersonating a prophet, to deceive a desperate family. What begins as a calculated ploy spirals into something far more profound when unexpected rainfall solidifies the family’s faith in Cheenie, forcing him to confront the morality of his action against the weight of their trust.

'Between Dust and Rain' is an introspective tale of power and belief.

The World

'Between Dust and Rain' takes place in a world untethered to any specific place or time. Its location on a map is irrelevant; what matters is the dry and hot terrain it explores.

In this drought-stricken reality, water is a rare and precious treasure. Occasional drizzles tease the parched earth, but a downpour? That's unheard of — a hope as fragile as the cracked soil.

Tone 

This short film unfolds like a folktale or fable - one that could be told around a campfire or by your grandmother when you were a child. Through unexpected situations, moral questions emerge from a narrative that feels familiar yet slightly surreal.

Think of it as "childish humor meets introspective reflection".

Director's Statement 

"'Between Dust and Rain' is a personal project born from my reflections on how religion can be exploited as a vehicle for power. However, this is not a critique of religion itself. While it highlights the misuse of faith, the heart of the film lies in the complex relationship between our protagonist, Cheenie, and his domineering accomplice, Gunpowder.

At its core, 'Between Dust and Rain' is a character-driven story charting Cheenie’s transformation from a submissive "dog-on-a-leash" to an anti-hero. Believed to be a prophet, Cheenie is thrust into morally challenging scenarios that test his autonomy and his tangled bond with Gunpowder. This journey is as much about personal growth as it is about the dynamics of power, beleif, and human relationships."

The Team 

SHAHMEER MADNI

Director, Co-Writer

Shahmeer Madni is an Australian born, Singapore raised and ethnically Pakistani filmmaker based in NYC.

From the young age of 4, Shahmeer was birthed into the arts as a musician. In his late teens, he discovered his passion for filmmaking. He has since written and directed several award-winning shorts and documentaries.

Shahmeer seeks to bridge his Eastern and Western sensibilities to tell stories that explore societal dynamics through absurd, thought-provoking scenarios.

JASON WANG

Director of Photography

Jason Wang is a director of photography with a passion for creating raw, unpolished visuals that feel honest and natural. Inspired by filmmakers like Andrea Arnold, Lynne Ramsay, and Sean Baker, his work focuses on capturing characters with authenticity.

His upcoming project, "Between Dust and Rain", calls for a similarly grounded approach, and he’s excited to collaborate with Shahmeer, whose vision aligns closely with his own.

Together, they aim to bring the story to life with a shared commitment to authenticity.

Syed Hussain Ali

Producer, Co-Writer

Syed Hussain Ali is a versatile Film, Doumentary and Digital Content Producer with over four years of experience in the UK and Pakistan. Passionate about storytelling that inspires change,

Syed is the founder of two influential digital platforms: Propergaanda, which sheds light on Pakistan’s social, cultural, and political issues, and Hussaini Khayal, dedicated to preserving and sharing the struggles, traditions, and rituals of the Shia community. With eight years of experience in digital journalism and activism, Syed combines creative vision with a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, making a meaningful impact through both visual and written mediums.

Amna Ahmed Khan

Associate Producer

Amna Ahmed Khan is an IMDb-accredited filmmaker based in Pakistan, with over five years of experience in the film industry.

With multiple feature films to her name, along with a diverse portfolio that spans theatre, short films, documentaries, podcasts, and a growing interest in video games, Amna is passionate about exploring various forms of storytelling.

She has collaborated with some of Pakistan’s leading creative talents, including Sarmad Khoosat, Ahmed Ali Akbar, Zeb Bangash, Ali Junejo, and many others.

 Zoya Uzair

Production Designer

As a Film and Television graduate from National College of Arts, Lahore, Zoya decided to pursue her career in Production Design. Starting off as a Stylist for TV commercials and fashion films, she slowly got into the world of set design where she worked in various music videos, films and webseries.

She now work as a full time production designer and concept designer for both films and commercials, and a part time media studies teacher for O & A level students.

Production and Our Budget

We are planning to shoot 'Between Dust and Rain' through March 27-30th. Your contributions would support the following areas:

Logistics: "Fuel for the Journey"

Your support ensures safe transportation, meals, and well-prepared locations to keep the production smooth and the team energized.

Equipment: "Tools of the Trade"

Help us rent essential gear—cameras, lighting, and sound equipment—to capture stunning visuals and immerse audiences in the story.

Cast and Crew: "The Heart of the Film"

Contributions help us fairly compensate talented actors and crew members, whose dedication brings Between Dust and Rain to life.

Post Production & Festivals: "Sharing the Story"

From editing to global festivals, your support ensures the film is polished and its message reaches audiences far and wide.

Thank you for your support! 

For further interest in becoming a financier of this film, or inquiries about collaboration, you can email us here: bdarfilm@gmail.com