How does a hard-driving man admit the fact that life can’t always be controlled?

“Ariana” is an award-winning short produced by ABC Film & Video, LLC – Media At Large. This touching drama won “Best Story & Screenplay” at the Arrivano I Corti Italian Short Film Festival as well as the “Audience Choice Award” at the San Luis Obispo Film Festival. Director Michael Sandoval creates a vision of the American dream seen through atypical relationships. Co-directed and starring Media At Large President, Shashi Balooja, the multi-talented actor also delivers a riveting performance in the “Ariana,” making it a proud addition to Media At Large’s established repertoire.

“Ariana” depicts Dr. Abbas Imad (Shashi Balooja), a successful doctor, loving grandson and committed partner as he completes his medical residency and joins a hectic group practice. With a dream of paying off his debts and making his live-in grandmother comfortable, Dr. Abbas’s well-planned future begins to crumble when his lover, Karl (Tate Ellington), moves in and they have to deal with Grandma Ariana’s (Anahid) difficult behavior. Hoping her behavior will subside, Abbas throws himself into his work, believing that things will soon work themselves out. Ultimately, Ariana’s dementia proves to be the real issue at hand, and Karl becomes her caregiver. Abbas must come to terms with his stressful practice, his troubled relationship, and his grandmother’s illness.

Awards:

“Best Story & Screenplay”
-Arrivano I Corti Italian Short Film Festival

“Audience Choice”
-San Luis Obisto Film Festival

“Most Heart wrenching”
The Desert Sun Awards

“Magnificent – a well done and truly moving commentary on a family, relationships and responsibilities from Michael Sandoval and Shashi Balooja.”
-TheDesertSun.com Short Awards 2004