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Love, Saji, a short film by Side Projects out now.

After 25 years, we follow Saji, a born and bred New Yorker, days before he leaves to start a new chapter of life in Los Angeles.

We invite you to witness a snapshot of life in transition.

Link to film in Bio
Link to Film Score by @raiawas in Bio

Director 🐜
Producers@ditteravenfire @_heatledger
Cinematographer @chiaochen
16mm Cinematographer @johnszeng
Post Producer @ditteravenfire
Editor @johnszeng
Original Music @raiawas
Color @alexia_films
Sound Design And Mix Calvin Pia/ @feltsound
Audio Post @feltsound
Graphics @vivsual_

Featuring Saji Abude @sajiabude
Agnes F. C. Abude @agnes10024


Thanks To @stefanklapko And @kanopy.nyc

Saji is a true Renaissance man, knowledgeable, educated, and proficient in a wide range of fields. He can paint, act, model, produce music, DJ, sew, design clothes, and design furniture,—all with exceptional proficiency. Never one to be boxed in, he creates what he feels.

‘Love, Saji’ a short film by Side Projects directed by 🐜

@sideprojects.film

Love, truth, growth, and ambition perfectly encapsulate the friendship between @sajiabude and @estiee . During this particular period, they spent considerable time at their creative studio in Chinatown. Both Saji and Estiee are beloved figures in NYC, well-known and respected both uptown and downtown, wherever they go.

‘Love, Saji’ a short film by Side Projects directed by 🐜

@sideprojects.film

"...she's always going to be my mom. It was always funny growing up, where she's like, I'm not your friend, I'm your mother. Now, she's actually my friend."

‘Love, Saji’ a short film by Side Projects directed by 🐜

16MM 🎥: @johnszeng

@sideprojects.film

It's in the hard times when belief between people is built. This ring was given to Saji's mother, Agness, by Saji.

‘Love, Saji’ a short film by Side Projects directed by 🐜

16MM 🎥: @johnszeng

@sideprojects.film

“I was saying recently that I feel like I think I have the mentality of being like, Oh, I could do whatever I want in life because she would support, find a way to support me in doing whatever.” - Saji

‘Love, Saji’ a short film by Side Projects directed by 🐜

@sideprojects.film

Taking a break in Sunset Park with Saji during some of his final days in NYC. The access to his thoughts was a gift that uplifted this film.

‘Love, Saji’ a short film by Side Projects directed by 🐜

🎥: @chiaochen

@sideprojects.film

This was one of my favorite days filming with Saji. At Fort Greene Park, here he'd let us in to some of his most intimate thoughts and feelings.

‘Love, Saji’ a short film by Side Projects directed by 🐜

@sideprojects.film

"We look to the past, good or bad; these were events lived through, we look to the future, wondering what is to come. In the present, we live in the duality of those thoughts, which come to define transition."

‘Love, Saji’ a short film by Side Projects directed by 🐜

🎥: @chiaochen

@sideprojects.film

LOVE, SAJI. A Short film by SIDE PROJECTS.

@sideprojects.film

LOVE, SAJI. A Short film by SIDE PROJECTS.

@sideprojects.film

i want to say again, THIS FILM, 'LOVE, SAJI,' STANDS ON TOP OF OVER A DECADE OF FRIENDSHIP, AND ALL I CAN FEEL IS GRATITUDE. This film has my heart, thank you to everyone who created this, we did a good thing.

LOVE, SAJI. A Short film by SIDE PROJECTS.

@sideprojects.film