The independent production banner Rasa Film Group is broadening its reach, welcoming tech and hospitality veteran Rohit Bhayana as the latest addition to its partnership ranks as the collective sets its sights on expanding its South Asian storytelling ventures.

The New York-based collective, which made its debut in 2024, has already established a track record of backing female-directed short films, with four productions completed in its inaugural year.

At the forefront of Rasa’s current slate, the short film “Witness” is preparing for its North American premiere at the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival. The project, helmed by directors Radha Mehta and Saif Jaan, explores the story of an imam facing a moral crossroads between upholding traditional mosque values and protecting a male congregant’s spiritual journey. The film has gained substantial support, securing funding from the Netflix Tasveer Film Fund and the InsideOut 2Slgbtq+ Re:Focus Fund.

The collective’s lineup also features “Don’t Be Late,...