In a war-torn Somali fishing village, young Asad must choose between the honest but meager life of a fisherman and the dangerous allure of piracy. When the local pirate captain takes him under his wing, Asad discovers that the biggest catch of all might not come from the sea.
Editorial Perspective
Bryan Buckley’s Asad was shot in a South African township with actual Somali refugees, lending it an authenticity that no casting director could replicate. The young non-professional lead carries the film with a natural charisma that makes you forget you’re watching a “message” movie. The fishing-versus-piracy metaphor is handled with a light touch, and the film’s final twist — involving a very unexpected “catch” — lands with both humor and genuine poignancy.
Where to Watch
Available on Vimeo and YouTube. Also included in Oscar-nominated shorts anthology screenings.
Historical data reconstructed from archive.org snapshots of the Manhattan Short Film Festival website.
