In 2003, Pia SAWHNEY (1978) founded Chai Break Films together with Sanjna Singh, a co-student at the Bryn Mawr College. Sawhney makes short films, documentaries and multimedia projects. The short version of Out of Status had its premiere in Rotterdam in 2004, the long version was nominated for Amnesty's DOEN Award for Human Rights at the 2006 edition of the festival. Her Rwanda: Take Two (2010) is part of the Forget Africa programme.

Pia Sawhney

Sanjna Singh

Sharp and acute documentary slander against the panicky legal measures that were taken in the United States after 11 September 2001. The two young female film makers show how the laws affected the families of immigrants. A clearly designed yet emotional indictment.

IFFR 2006

Out of Status, 

Time & Tide

Out of Status

An intriguing portrait of two young, ambitious Rwandan film makers who are followed on their road to success. The tragic events from their past mean they want to fight for a hopeful future. The mixture of photography, video and film fragments also makes the film unusual in its form.

IFFR 2010

Rwanda: Take Two, 

Signals - Where Is Africa

Rwanda: Take Two

Pia Sawney

Go straight to jail, don't pass Go. Immigrants from Moslem countries in the land of Monopoly. How September 11 hit law-abiding Moslem citizens.

IFFR 2025
30 Jan – 9 Feb 2025

Pia Sawhney

Filmography

Pia Sawhney at IFFR

Out of Status

Out of Status

Rwanda: Take Two