After getting caught making a hip-hop beat with his friends instead of attending an important career networking event, a high school senior tries to find common ground with his father by sharing his original rap music.

Director Biography - Harshith Surya Kotni

Harshith Kotni, an Indian American Director, Writer, and Producer hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area and now based in LA, is a recent graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. With a focus on Line Producing and UPM roles, his notable achievements include work on the TV pilot "Marvin is Sorry," set to premiere at SXSW, and production coordination for Blink 182's "TURPENTINE" music video. Passionate about illuminating South Asian narratives, Harshith has seamlessly integrated his cultural heritage into various music videos, commercials, and short films. His latest narrative shorts, "Dreamline" and "Prematho," are currently making waves in the festival circuit. Through his projects, Harshith intricately weaves compelling storytelling with his deep love for his culture and upbringing, actively shaping his creative path.

Director Statement

Raised in the Tech capital, Silicon Valley, amidst the dichotomy of a deeply traditional Hindu family and the vibrant American hip-hop scene, I've immersed myself in both worlds. From shooting numerous rap videos to attending underground concerts and collaborating with influential artists, I've experienced the richness of hip-hop culture firsthand. In stark contrast, at home, I had to uphold the image of straight-A student, tabla virtuoso, and gifted future techie. I felt like I was suffocating. That’s when I started listening to rap. Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar...through their music, these artists taught me that it is possible to be vulnerable while staying true to myself. In Dreamline, the choice of hip hop music as a medium for open communication supports the narrative; Vaanen’s music pays homage to the origins of rap as a form of storytelling, a vehicle for self-expression and having fun. Rap is Vaanen’s chosesn form of communication – it’s therapeutic and allows him to pour his feelings into lyrics, when they are too tough to say as words.