This story is inspired by my lived experience as a first generation immigrant moving from India at the age of 12. I have had to mould myself several times to adapt. This has meant abandoning bits of my Indian identity and taking on British values and appearances. More recently, I find myself lost at how out of touch I have become with my roots - especially not thinking in my mother tongue so much anymore.
Immigration is at an all-time high, especially for people seeking refuge from prosecution. This brings inevitable change in identity for the people involved. This film explores accents as identity and hopes to give some resolve to the audience experiencing it. Through films like these, it is important that we promote a world of tolerance and acceptance of our differences.
I am inspired by realistic comedy. This is something common to both Indian and British cinema, showing the struggle of the small man. I hope to keep this cross-cultural interaction with awkward comedy and using silent pauses effectively.
Driven by social commentary and subtle behaviours that humans display when put in uncomfortable situations, all Keshav's scripts start important conversations that are often considered taboo.
His last short "Happy Retirement Mr Pickering" was screened at Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts, LA. You can watch it on Amazon Prime
Born in Romania, and trained at University of Greenwich, the film's essence was at the heart of Jean's immigrant experience.
Specialising in independent films and virtual production, Jean has produced over 10 films and multiple TEDx events. This film marks Jean's third collaboration with Keshav Shree.
Originally from Mexico, Estefania trained at the National Film and Television School, London and has shot several short films with nominations for BAFTA & Oscar qualifying film festivals.
Nominated for BSC Best Cinematograpy award; “Brutal” (Raindance Festival 2022).
Yujia aspires her work to capture the unstoppable fleeting times. Originally from China, this film helped her reflect on her own experience as an immigrant.
Won best short "This is ours" at Reykjavik International Film Festival, and best feature "Summer Blur", at Berlin International Film Festival.
Jonatli splits his time between UK and Iceland. He met Késhav whilst at National Film and Television School in 2022, and this is their second project together.
"The screenplay's blend of humor and exploration of the challenges of fitting in abroad" sparked his interest to work on the film. Recent works include Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
Originally from France, Emma is an Emmy winner for Graphic & Motion Design for CNN.
"I thought the script told the story of adjusting to working in a foreign land very eloquently."
Also a National Film and Television School graduate, her recents works are on Netflix, MTV, Comedy Central, CNN, Sky & Peter Anderson Studios.
Having worked in the fashion industry for 15 years, Alana has a passion for sustainable sourcing.
Owning her own ethical fashion brand TryKind, helps her source and design costumes that depict the characters fully but also don't harm the earth.
"Having lived in 4 different countries, I've been fascinated by how accents define people and their position in society."
Mexican composer, Jose Luis has a myriad of compositions for film, TV and national symphonies including Nashville Symphony and Orquesta Mexiquense.
"Working with Keshav, I loved incorporating acappella compositions to establish a unique voice for the protagonist."
Best Composer at the LA Independent Film Festival. Recent work: Netflix, Disney+, and HBO.
A Birkbeck Theatre Directing graduate, Andy is an associate of the National Youth Theatre and has been actor's coach for a range of award winning Film and TV, including Barry Keoghan in the recent series Masters of Air.
He worked closely with Keshav to rehearse with the cast pre-shoot and ensure Keshav's was able to transition smoothly behind and in-front the camera.
Award winning & National Film and Television School graduate, Dan has been involved on a large variety of projects and in 2023 he won the Verna Fields Award at the 70th MPSE Golden Reel Awards.
Dan was drawn to “Where Are You Really From?” because of it’s unique exploration of cultural identity and the way sound could play a role in estab
Award winning & National Film and Television School graduate, Dan has been involved on a large variety of projects and in 2023 he won the Verna Fields Award at the 70th MPSE Golden Reel Awards.
Dan was drawn to “Where Are You Really From?” because of it’s unique exploration of cultural identity and the way sound could play a role in establishing the cinematic language needed to help establish Keshav’s vision.
A Uni of Greenwich graduate, Juliette has worked in a range of production spaces and roles from VP Producer to 1st AD.
Originally Greek, "I loved working on this project because I got to do what I love most which is to solve problems on set while making sure that the solution is the right choice creatively and alignes with the director's vision."
An MA Graduate of Film at Uni of Greenwich, Alice was a pillar of strength for the project.
Originally from Hawaii, she felt compelled to see the script be transformed into a visual story.
"I am motivated to support the art of visual story telling and I’m looking forward to more!"
Trained and employed in Nigeria, England, Hollywood and Atlanta, Gbola was drawn to "Where are you really from?" as it bore resemblances to the challenges he faced when immigrating to the UK as a Highly skilled Migrant.
Despite the UK government rating him as highly skilled, he faced barriers due to his accent, origin and challenges pronouncing his name - which is ridiculous!
A comedy actor from Birmingham, Dwayne has played many characters on The Bantics Show performing in comedy sketches and short films.
"I wanted to be a part of 'Where Are You Really From?' as the deadpan style of writing is something I love and was done really well, and the concept and story was very original."
An instructional designer with a passion for acting, Arya is actively involved in amateur theatre. This film marks her debut on screen.
" I haven't personally experienced accentism but I feel this needs to be addressed. Having a South Indian accent like the character's, the concept resonated deeply with me, making joining an easy choice."
Theatre and film actor, Jeremy is terrible with money and would never get a job working at a bank.
The film gave Jeremy the chance to explore a character that (sadly) many of us know. To tell a story that focuses on prejudice, particularly when it comes to accents and language was what drew him to the project.
"Words matter. But who says t
Theatre and film actor, Jeremy is terrible with money and would never get a job working at a bank.
The film gave Jeremy the chance to explore a character that (sadly) many of us know. To tell a story that focuses on prejudice, particularly when it comes to accents and language was what drew him to the project.
"Words matter. But who says them and how they are said should not diminish their importance."
Trained at LAMDA Stephen, has appeared in a variety of theatre, film and television. Having grown up in a number of places, he, too, finds the question posed by the title of the film a resonant one, and is intrigued by the assumptions, prejudices and privileges based on accent.
Born in Vancouver, Canada, MJ is an actor and performance director based in London, UK. With Korean parents, a Canadian upbringing, an American education, and a British passport, her whole life seems to have prepared her for a film called, ‘Where Are You Really From?’
Born in India & raised in England, Keshav has native fluency in English and Hindi. Having lived in different areas of England, he has a keen ear for accents.
Works include 'This England' (Sky Atlantic), Yorkshire Tea and Carex and over 25 short films, including 3 at London Film School.
Trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School winning the Newton Blick Award 2011. She has worked in theatre, radio and film for 13 years. She was thrilled to be involved with the film for its unique, comic perspective and impactful storytelling.
14 year old Advay is of Indian origin and has a huge passion for acting and loves being in front of the camera. He moved to the UK at the age of 8 years and is trained in drama by the Stagecoach academy. He is a Lego and chess enthusiast.
Jay’s acting experience has mainly been on stage so he was excited to work in front of the camera for the first time. Jay has friends from all different backgrounds so it resonated with him to work on a film highlighting racial bias. He plays the piano and enjoys skiing.
15 year old, Daniilyn equally enjoys stage and film, and understands the uniqueness of them both. She enjoyed being part of a diverse cast and crew.
Self-taught in guitar and ukulele, she is part of a band and lead singer.
After retiring as a doctor, Sanjay started his acting career at 60 and has had the time of his life.
"Being part of productions that explore the experiences of immigration and of people who are “othered” is wonderful."
Originally from India, Ruchika is London based and understood the struggle of an immigrant settling in very well.
Her works include “The Sandman” (Netflix) “The Buckingham Murders” (Netflix), “The Nan Movie” on Prime with Catherine Tate and “Count Abdulla” on ITVX.
"The film spoke to me on a deep level about being an outsider in society, that I could relate to through me and my family’s experiences. Glad to work on such unique & thought provoking film."
Hailing from Midlands has studied Korean filmmaking and starred in a Portuguese theatre company.
With over 40 years of experience, London based Tim enjoyed playing around with different accents in the film. He has also written and directed several plays.
Recent works "Boyz in the Wood" (Amazon Prime), "Our Communist Life" (Prime) and "You Buttefly" at Brockley Jack Studio.
Trained at National Youth Theatre and Mountview Academy, Heidi has many works under her belt, including at the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival, BBC and ITV.
Hailing from Grimsby and bilingual in English and French, Heidi has experience of many accents.
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