Deepak Rauniyar and Asha Magrati’s Private Property boards sales
Parallax Films has boarded international sales on Private Property, the new short from Deepak Rauniyar and Asha Magrati, ahead of its world premiere at the 79th Locarno Film Festival. A new clip is out, and theatrical and streaming partnerships are already under discussion.
The U.S.-Nepal-France-Australia co-production arrives at Locarno with sales representation locked in and a festival campaign planned. For more streaming and festival-to-platform alerts, follow Streaming & TV Alerts on BlasterPost.
Key Takeaways
- Parallax Films is handling international sales on Private Property before Locarno.
- The short world-premieres in Pardi di Domani’s Concorso Corti d’Autore and is nominated for the Pardo for Change Award.
- Deepak Rauniyar and Asha Magrati co-wrote the film; Magrati also produced and stars as Maya.
- Parallax is planning a major festival campaign, with theatrical and streaming deals in talks.
- A clip has been unveiled ahead of the premiere.
What is Private Property about?
Shot in English and Nepali, the short is set at a gas station where Maya, a Nepali immigrant on overnight shifts, clashes with Danny, an unhoused Black veteran, over a single space. The confrontation pushes Maya first toward the law, then toward a gun.
According to Variety, Parallax Films co-founder Cao Liuying called it a tightly crafted social thriller that examines contemporary America without the usual immigrant narrative audiences expect. She said the film closes on an image nodding to Taxi Driver, leaving viewers with a question rather than an answer.
Why does the Parallax Films deal matter?
Rauniyar said he is happy Parallax came on board, citing the company’s record and taste, and noted both sides will meet in Locarno to finalize plans. Liuying said Parallax is preparing a major festival campaign while theatrical and streaming partnerships remain under discussion.
That sales backing ahead of the world premiere positions the short for a broader post-Locarno run if festival and platform talks advance as planned.
Where will Deepak Rauniyar and Asha premiere the film?
Private Property screens in Pardi di Domani’s Concorso Corti d’Autore, competing for the Pardino d’Oro for Best Auteur Short Film. It is also one of six titles nominated for Locarno’s Pardo for Change Award.
The berth is Rauniyar’s first in Locarno’s official selection, though he and Magrati previously presented features Highway and White Sun through the festival’s Open Doors program. Rauniyar served on a Locarno jury in 2018 and said he hopes the film screens soon in the United States.
Magrati, who plays Maya, said embodying the character was not natural because Maya differs from her own experience—and that curiosity was the reason to make the film. The cast also includes Nick Sencey, Hem Thapa, Nicole McCarty, Joe McAlear and Tylar McCarty. Aadi Films produced in the U.S. with partners in France and Australia.