Every once in a while, a short film arrives that doesn’t just move you—it reorients your emotional and moral compass. WITNESS, the extraordinary new work from directors Radha Mehta and Saif Jaan, is one of those rare pieces. Bold, tender, and quietly revolutionary, this film is a masterclass in storytelling that pulses with empathy and moral clarity.

Bold, tender, and quietly revolutionary,

Set in a devout, small-town Muslim community, WITNESS follows a respected imam who finds his faith tested in the most intimate of ways—through a chance encounter with a trans man seeking not validation, but spiritual sanctuary. What unfolds is a quietly devastating portrait of a man at the intersection of doctrine and decency, portrayed with an aching sensitivity that transcends the screen.

Mehta brings a painter’s eye and a poet’s heart to the direction, weaving scenes that feel as intimate as prayer. Jaan’s writing is razor-sharp and deeply humane, grounding the narrative in lived experience without ever slipping into didacticism. Together, they’ve created something extraordinary: a film that doesn’t just depict transformation—it embodies it.

Mehta brings a painter’s eye and a poet’s heart to the direction

What truly elevates WITNESS is its restraint. There are no grand speeches or cinematic fireworks. Instead, it leans into stillness, letting silence speak volumes and glances carry the weight of centuries. In doing so, it honors both the sacredness of faith and the radical, healing power of being seen.

Already a standout on the festival circuit—with stops at Slamdance, Inside Out Toronto, and now the prestigious Raindance Film Festival—WITNESS is a searing reminder of what cinema can do when it dares to tell the truth. It’s not just a film. It’s a revelation.

WITNESS is a searing reminder of what cinema can do when it dares to tell the truth.