7 Palms Entertainment Picks Up Rights to Acclaimed Short Film ‘Strays’

Key Takeaways

• The short film "Strays" tells the story of a Pakistani immigrant living in Coney Island and his journey to finding friendship with a stray cat.
• The film features a cast of Broadway alums, including James Rana, John-Andrew Morrison, and Aizzah Fatima.
• "Strays" has won several awards and nominations from various film festivals, including the Independent Shorts Awards and the Festival of Cinema NYC.
• 7 Palms Entertainment will be distributing the film, which is set to bring a universal message of connection and warmth to audiences.

Introduction to Strays
The short film "Strays" is a heartwarming story about a Pakistani immigrant living in Coney Island, who finds companionship with a stray cat. The film features a talented cast of Broadway alums, including James Rana, who also wrote the screenplay. Rana’s personal experience with his uncles, who immigrated to the United States from Pakistan, inspired him to tell this story. He wanted to honor the sacrifices and struggles that immigrants face, and to showcase the beauty of the immigrant community in New York.

The Making of Strays
The film was many years in the making, with Rana saving his paychecks from his time on Broadway and the national tour of "The Band’s Visit" to bring his vision to life. The cast and crew of "Strays" are primarily made up of immigrants themselves, who were drawn to the project because of its relatable story and universal message. The film features a mix of Urdu and English dialogue, adding to its authenticity and cultural significance. The cast includes Tony nominee John-Andrew Morrison, Aizzah Fatima, Obie winner Rocco Sisto, and Kate MacCluggage, among others.

Awards and Recognition
"Strays" has been honored with several awards and nominations from reputable film festivals, including the Independent Shorts Awards, the Festival of Cinema NYC, and the Calgary Independent Film Festival. The film’s success is a testament to its powerful storytelling and the talented cast and crew who brought it to life. The film’s director, Or Schraiber, has done an excellent job of capturing the emotions and struggles of the protagonist, and the cinematography by Adam Baron-Bloch is stunning.

Distribution and Release
7 Palms Entertainment, a leading film distribution company, will be responsible for bringing "Strays" to audiences around the world. The company has a proven track record of distributing high-quality films to leading outlets in over 70 countries. With its universal message of connection and warmth, "Strays" is set to resonate with audiences from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The film’s distribution is a significant milestone, and it is expected to make a lasting impact on the film industry.

Conclusion
"Strays" is a poignant and powerful film that tells the story of a Pakistani immigrant’s journey to finding friendship and companionship in a new country. With its talented cast, stunning cinematography, and universal message, the film is set to make a lasting impact on audiences around the world. The film’s success is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of representing diverse voices and experiences in the film industry. As the film makes its way to audiences around the world, it is expected to leave a lasting impression and inspire meaningful conversations about identity, community, and belonging.