
The Sacrifice 2021
In *The Sacrifice (2021)*, Shona Dutta Charlton crafts a poignant, intimate drama set in East London's tight-knit Bengali community.
Director: Shona Dutta Charlton
Cast


Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Sacrifice (2021) about?
This 5-minute drama follows Rukhsana as she races against time to rescue her 13-year-old sister, Leila, from an arranged marriage to a much older man. With the help of her girlfriend Margot, Rukhsana navigates a web of cultural pressure and familial expectations, culminating in a tense confrontation that forces her to challenge tradition itself.
Who directed The Sacrifice?
Shona Dutta Charlton directed *The Sacrifice (2021)*, bringing a nuanced, emotionally charged perspective to this timely story.
Who stars in The Sacrifice?
The film stars Ambika Mod as Rukhsana, Zara Aslam as Margot, Ruchika Jain as Leila, and features Alicia Simai-Kral, Melissa Suppiah, and Fagr Elkady in pivotal supporting roles.
Is The Sacrifice (2021) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *The Sacrifice (2021)* is a compelling, emotionally resonant short film that tackles heavy themes with sensitivity and urgency. Its brief runtime and powerful performances make it a standout in the drama genre, especially for those interested in stories about cultural identity and sisterhood.
How long is The Sacrifice?
The Sacrifice runs for 5 minutes.
About The Sacrifice (2021) — A gripping drama of sisterhood and defiance in East London
In *The Sacrifice (2021)*, Shona Dutta Charlton crafts a poignant, intimate drama set in East London's tight-knit Bengali community. Thirteen-year-old Leila finds herself on the brink of being forced into an arranged marriage with an older man—a fate that horrifies her older sister Rukhsana. With the help of Margot, her sister's girlfriend, Rukhsana embarks on a tense, heart-pounding mission to free Leila before tradition and cultural expectations seal her fate. Amidst the urgency of their escape, a goat is sacrificed in a chilling ritual, symbolizing the suffocating grip of orthodoxy and the sacrifices women are forced to make in silence.
This raw, emotionally charged short film explores themes of sisterhood, resistance, and the cost of defiance within a conservative community. Charlton's direction is sharp and evocative, drawing out powerful performances from Ambika Mod as Rukhsana and Zara Aslam as Margot, while subtly weaving in the cultural weight of Bengali traditions. The film's tight 5-minute runtime packs a punch, leaving audiences with lingering questions about agency, love, and the bonds that push us to fight for what's right.