The New York Public Library’s Parkchester Branch will host a special Pride Month screening of the award-winning short film Elijah on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the library’s Meeting Room. The screening will be followed by a Q&A discussion with the film’s director, Razid Season.
Produced in partnership with Image Maker Films, a Queens-based nonprofit organization, Elijah tells a powerful New York story of family, faith, identity, and acceptance. The film features Bronx talent, including lead actor Ajaz Alam and supporting actor Devon Slotnick, both of whom are from the Bronx.
Elijah follows a Bengali Muslim taxi driver whose pursuit of the American Dream is challenged by financial hardship, discrimination, and the struggles facing New York City’s taxi industry. At the same time, he must confront a deeply personal family crisis when his child, Shoshi, seeks to live authentically as a transgender man within a conservative immigrant community.
Through themes of unconditional love, compassion, and personal transformation, Elijah explores the courage required to challenge long-held beliefs and support those closest to us. The film has received recognition for its sensitive portrayal of transgender identity, immigrant family dynamics, and the universal desire for dignity and belonging.
The Pride Month screening offers Bronx residents an opportunity to engage with a story that highlights both the diversity of New York City and the importance of understanding across cultural, religious, and generational differences.
“We want to ensure that we provide the correct cultural context for our patrons and create space for meaningful conversations,” said Arianna C. Gonzalez, Library Manager of the Parkchester Branch. “Elijah highlights the experiences of immigrant families and LGBTQ+ individuals in a way that encourages understanding, empathy, and community dialogue.”
Director Razid Season will participate in a post-screening discussion, giving audience members an opportunity to learn more about the film’s inspiration, production, and themes of family acceptance, faith, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
“Having this screening at Parkchester Library during Pride Month is especially meaningful,” said Season. “The Bronx is home to many immigrant communities, and the film speaks to universal questions about family, acceptance, and love. We are also proud to showcase the work of Bronx actors Ajaz Alam and Devon Slotnic, whose performances helped bring this story to life.”
The event is free and open to the public, and no RSVP is required. The Parkchester Library is fully wheelchair accessible. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and real-time captioning (CART) are available upon request through the library.
For more info about the event, please visit here.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
