DIFFERENT | Award Winning Short Film by Tahneek Rahman

A deaf girl comes across a boy who is paralyzed from the waist-down, but neither of them know about each other's differences.
Writer/Director:
/ tahneekrahman
/ tahneekrahman_
Winner for "Best of Show" and "Audience Choice" at the Reel Short Teen Film Festival in Orlando, Florida at the Enzian Theater (March 4, 2017).
Official Selection for the All American High School Film Festival in New York (July 30, 2017).
Official Selection for the 26th Annual Brouhaha Film & Video Showcase (October 27, 2017).
Submitted to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Pratt Institute, Ringling College of Art & Design, and University of Central Florida's School of Visual Arts & Design.

[@uNeekProductions]

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for getting our film over 1 MILLION VIEWS!!! We truly appreciate each and everyone one of you who has liked, commented, and shared this short film. We created this a little over three years ago and it just now has started to gain traction thanks to all of you. We have been reading the comments and noticed that many of our viewers are hard-of-hearing or deaf. These viewers have requested us to put in subtitles, something we should have included since day one. We apologize to any of our viewers who were unable to experience the film in its full form. As a result, we have now included subtitles for the film. We hope you give the film another chance and take the time to share your thoughts. Once again, we sincerely apologize. As always, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe. We will be uploading more short films and other creative content in the coming weeks and months as we slowly navigate through the current pandemic. Stay safe and be "uNeek!"

[@VibingPumpkin]

Pro tip: Pin your own comment so everyone can see it

[@dadawesome784]

Pro tip: move the trash cans in the background. Otherwise it’s clear you shot all the footage on the same day.

[@nicklingstfleur7242]

Here, here and all I wanted was one short film for my student's morning motivational. lol

[@ralpholamilekan6758]

Wow

[@kathyharris3746]

So glad that your film was on my KZbin feed. Thank you🙏

[@jaefast5684]

Ok here we go... Whenever I start watching one short film, I get sucked into a vicious loop of short films and I can never stop

[@leatecia7061]

Jean Fox me too

[@otakulife1015]

Same

[@noname3609]

Same here.

[@wolfyalpha8211]

Same, im trying to see when my eyes will fall asleep

[@deborahgreene6422]

same here!

[@yazminelle8331]

We expect things from people in our way and we forget that people around us are different, such a powerful reminder! Thanks

[@IslamicInspires]

Yeah....we often forget it

[@mubarakbashir83]

👍⚘💞🙂

[@svetlanabarrow6026]

Yeah, we expect people treat as nicely but hey ho people are different. So it’s okay if they hurt you.

[@zahrahojati1019]

& we learn no judgment

[@AnanduKrishnakk]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2W7ppethKmeg7M

[@bluegirlgraphics]

Reminds me of this girl I used to work with at a fast food place. She was deaf and mute and they pretty much just gave her busy work and did very little to actually "deal" with her. Even the person who brought her in would sign to her and speak "just do what they say" in a very brusque way. She would just walk around the place wiping the tables and windows and looking very sad. Nobody would actually engage her. One day I was sitting on the floor at one of the tables for lunch and she came into view to eat too. She looked so sad and lonely. She happened to catch my eye and I motioned her to come sit with me. Her eyes got so big like she was really happy and surprised. We wrote notes back and forth while eating and I found out she was living in a group home for deaf people and she was originally from Thailand. After that she looked much happier, less mopey and she would always sneak into my area to come talk to me with notes. The mgmt didn't like it but I was happy she was happy. They started telling me to supervise her because she no longer listened to them. She just wanted to talk to me. I got the feeling she had very few people who gave her attention which is so sad. She wasn't there too long (I think maybe a month) and she showed me a picture of the reason why she was leaving. She had a fiancee she was going to marry in Thailand so she was going home to do that. She seemed very happy and excited about going home. I kind of wish I had gotten to talk to her more and been able to keep in touch with her by mail (this was before the internet).

[@juliaconnell]

This was such a lovely thing to do - thank you for showing her such kindness 😘

[@tessa5432]

😭this was so beautiful story I wish I could hear more after that and she met you again ❤️❤️

[@Natalia-cm8ez]

A very short story. She didn't invite you to her wedding?

[@rme1383]

you are always in her heart

[@maydavalle]

💗

[@bepositivewithpoulami]

"Don't expect.... Only accept".... This is the only reminder of this amazing movie.

[@greggardiner895]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2O1nKVnps91g7M acceptance is hard

[@ToThoseWhoVanished]

we only hurt ourselves when we are quick to judge

[@adityakuswaha2813]

Wisely said

[@nainasingh7569]

Well said

[@snazalsingh2465]

r8

[@joelee5875]

No, be quick to judge but judge many times then make a judgment.

[@samanthamargarita3688]

Quick to judge is big temptation

[@gocrii8161]

Just asking who doesn’t look behind first when someone just puts something down their shirt? I’m not trying to hate this short film is so lovely💕

[@tlosz374]

That was my first thought.

[@TheCindyc501]

Exactly. Especially because they look like young adults

[@karooblue7634]

Being paralysed... He probebly cant turn his upper body to look back ....

[@claudeessomba6799]

That was the question I asked myself also

[@abbhiis]

Yes

[@Siputsantuy]

- Exposition : Emily wants to make a friendship with sam. - Rising Action : Emily falls while skateboarding in front of Sam. - Climax : Sam can't help her 'cause he can't stand. but Emily thinks that Sam dosen't care 'cause she is deaf. then she hates him. - Falling Action : Emily sees Sam being helped into a wheelchair by someone. - Resolution : now they start to understand each other, and make a friendship.

[@cobradavid777]

Thank you bro

[@justinetanedo5355]

galeng ah. matic na HAHAHA

[@enduraman1]

The message is people are different in ways you may not at first understand. When you assume people are mean, you are often mistaken. We need to give people more credit. They often have good reason for what they do. This script writer wrote a great short.

[@POMOnkey1]

Balance is hard, give too much credit and end up being used.

[@sylviedesmet7788]

That is true man!

[@SeafairyBele]

Indeed!

[@krystalrussell1783]

Exactly!

[@DynastyPolo]

Dud u just helped me alot with my school work im righting a summary and i need a moral ima just use ur msg thanks alot ✌🏿

[@lavaunjohns7796]

I grew up in a neighborhood where everyone was different physically and mentally. They were different races, genders, ages, and social classes. It taught me that being different was normal.

[@SorayaFarage]

Correct understanding

[@littlemrpinkness295]

You just never know what someone's capabilities or limitations might be, but everyone has something good to offer.

[@tonyakelly4234]

I used the video today for all my Social Studies classes and its was great to use a reflection on cultural diversity and how we can reflect on being kind and showing our difference doesn't change who we are.

[@Ihtiandr13]

Being disabled is not part of a culture.

[@jessegeyer9294]

Apparently every single short film ever made has won an award

[@timetogetit1384]

They upload the movie, because it won an award maybe

[@staredsky]

A simple but very strong plot; a simple but very effective direction and editing; for a simple but very powerful short. with a simple, strong, lovely idea.

[@baka3873]

ah yes just love being sent here to watch this for school

[@memyselfandij7257]

Same

[@ManiFromBrooklyn]

If u tryna help me since u love school summarize the message being conveyed and how it applies to you for PLZZZZ

[@s7fyaan]

LMAOOOO BRO I HAVE THE SAME EXACT QUESTION

[@firstnamelastname275]

ahaha i l o v e it

[@bahiyahleito869]

@@ManiFromBrooklyn LMAOAOAOO midwood right?

[@QIPhotography]

When he signed " Sorry"..... 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️

[@manshibhatia8031]

Moral - we should not judge someone so quickly without even knowing the truth.... ❤❤ wonderful ❤

[@Jen-fr4sd]

Thank you . I love this. My sister has Downs Syndrome and this movie reminds me of all she has had to endure going through life to prove she is worthy, in a world of many people who seem to think that they know what "normal" is supposed to be. Not so. Normal comes in many forms. It's the unrealistic expectations in society, fear, that casts a shadow .

[@clarehart5892]

This short film brought up so much emotion in me. It's always wonderful to see people connecting instead of building walls.

[@constancewalsh3646]

This is the third of Tahneek's films I've just watched. It has exponentially more views than the other two. What does this mean???? Does this mean LOVE is what we want most of all to see? Yes!!! Please fill our eyes with stories of love, of redemption, of what we want more than anything. Your film here is a treasure. We all, all have these stories, of innocence, of mistaken identities, we play both sides. Thank You for helping us to see, and to love.

[@overthinker6446]

Why is apparently 95% of the short film about love with a deaf girl ?

[@leonmuller8475]

To me it seems like 95% of short films are about time travel or are using time travel to tell a story.

[@lisamedla]

Nice place to start making short films since it eliminates the possibility of communicating heavily via dialogue. Plus many deaf people do watch content on youtube and it helps that they can relate

[@ahlulquraan9193]

and why always the girls name is emily 🤔

[@nosyalhassny8021]

😂😂😂😂😂 no one want to talk to the girls

[@returnoftheredeye]

I was gonna say that a lot of short films seem to centre around a park bench.

[@mansikhakhar3870]

There should be a love button to click on for this film.

[@HarpreetSingh-rx7yd]

Right Mansi Khakhar

[@HarpreetSingh-rx7yd]

Well said

[@rishpiece11]

As if like does not exist

[@kaya6112]

"They only cared for the inside not for the outside".....and that should be ....❤️❤️

[@deepakmahadik6190]

🙏💐💄💄

[@avacute3086]

Very well said

[@eduardangelolimos8476]

2021!?? Who's here because of their English MODULE? Anyone?😂😂

[@sophialantaca4469]

HERE HAHAHAUA

[@yecyeccomputer6776]

ME!!!!!

[@eduardangelolimos8476]

Hahahaha

[@kyuttko1237]

Here po

[@eduardangelolimos8476]

May sagot naba lahat?😂

[@sanjanasrinivasan2921]

Just reminded me, how some can be compassionate but might be greedy or some might be selfish but peaceful and calm all the time? We are differently disabled, and if we could just pause and realise others have their own shortcomings before we judge.. life would be more beautiful

[@lovemecom3832]

Oh my god! this video will make us realized that we should not look about differences on one another.

[@enfelmeharet8545]

outside differences#

[@riveraaguirregrecia6660]

This video seems incredible to me, it teaches us that we can be different from each other but that without a doubt our empathy unites us.

[@paoladelgado5740]

This video is incredible, it made me realize how important it is not to judge people and understand that not because they have a limitation prevents them from being good people.

[@benth162]

It does hearten me when I watch these types of videos. Well done Tahneek !

[@sportyspice7847]

FINALLY! Someone Gets It! We all have goodness inside…We just need to find it and SHARE!

[@mystic6236]

I'm in tears how we judge people BC they don't react or do what we want. Shame on me. Beautiful...Thank you!

[@stevemoore9509]

When he gave her the note saying are you ok brought tears to me eyes. Great video. Thanks.

[@kyrio5a]

SWEET! Adorable characters too! Love em both.

[@ThePrincesspickle88]

Short film binging is giving me good feels! This really had a great take away and the tried and true message that it's what's on the inside that counts really resonates especially in times like now. God bless!

[@amandawilkerson7546]

I'm CRYING . Especially when he signed "sorry" great story!

[@MsJoknapp]

It touched my heart 😢....human beings are so quick to judge another one without knowing what's going on with their life...I try very hard not to judge but to understand the underlying reason why a person acts or reacts ❤️ ❤️

[@givingbackpodcast3250]

That was beautiful. Thank you, Tahneek!

[@SitanshuSrivastav]

Cares about what is inside, not the outside.

[@carlacenteno5645]

Gives me hope for the younger generation and continued hope for all humanity who sees this powerful message that is humbling and timeless! Thank you! Please make many more of these!

[@hirastha.4644]

This short film is just amazing . I didnt expect this . This again gives the defination of true love . Salute to the director and writer.

[@marcelaoyarce5384]

Oh, touched my heart, beautiful

[@yvonnegumapac3830]

My tears really fell . The best feeling when they both smile . Relive my soul

[@OhSankYouDoktor]

Another glowing example of the power of the short film! Thank you for this! A sincere and genuine expression showing that kindness can exist in a mean world. Just beautiful.

[@kiramsanabria]

I don't know how to describe how this short makes my heart happy, the small details make it a truly reflective experience, the script is really good!

[@keycastillon7958]

it's a beautiful video. sometimes we only see the actions of people on the outside, without knowing why they do it, the video shows us that we should not be carried away by the first impression and be empathetic ❤️

[@imdjc4]

We all judge early. On average, it's within the first 30 seconds - some can do it simply in a fleeting glance. Others rely more so on sense and some can see the games above your head. The idea of post judgement though is to allow for variables of change.

[@robertmathis6425]

What a wonderful piece of work! This is an old story that we all should be reminded of. "You can't judge a book by the cover!" You have to get into the heart of that book to find what the author is telling us. Thanks for making me stop and think! Bravo! want to see more...

[@beckv8526]

I believe that there is more kindness in this world than we think.

[@riptiawanlukito1693]

I got lessons from this story, patient and positif thinking of different will open our Mind

[@youtubegoogle6899]

WELL SAID AND LEARN A NEWTHING DAILY TO EDUCATE YOURSELF IN CHARACTER AND MAKE PEOPLE AROUND YOU HAPPY😀😃😀😃🙂🙂👍👍👌👌GOD BLESS YOU

[@kcp5455]

yes..it's different...it taught us something...

[@Daniel-gm4te]

this is why a director is so important in movies

[@DiandraStarShine]

that was so sweet..great actors & well done, Tahneek!..bravo!!👍👍

[@thibod07]

Awesome clip with a strong message! Well done! ❤️❤️

[@ybonneibanez9237]

This struck me straight in the heart..💘

[@phloydaz21]

I watch so much true crime stories about the horrible people on earth. This, today, was a sight for jaded eyes. Simple but powerful. Thank you.

[@josephsutton6413]

Wow, threw me for a loop. Incredible work King. Goes to show that you never know a person's reasons for doing something or not doing something.

[@TigaToonsELTiagor]

This is so unexpected, that's why it's good.

[@mustafatopcu632]

Sometimes, a meaningful short film can be enough to explain the source of all problems. nice video :)

[@MsSarinakg]

A very good reminder that life is not just all about us - and that we too have to have understanding and empathy with others - Great wee film - thank you

[@gomezgeorginasantacruz3247]

¡Esto es bellísimo! Un corto que no necesitó una gran producción, pero sí una excelente idea. Es bueno encontrar historias que rompan con las secuencias "lógicas" a las que el cine convencional nos ha acostumbrado. Gracias por compartirla. 🦋

[@SkyeRoseVT1073]

Beautiful!

[@jermaindavis8257]

Atom Odyssey Happy New Year! Please check out my short film, Paths of Interest. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH2ykoBpZtN3hpo

[@magdalenepraveenageorge6142]

A very powerful concept brought to us in a very simple manner... Good work Rahman... All the team did a great job... Keep up the good work....

[@br8979]

A lot of people make assumptions without knowing the full story. Make sure you stay open and kind, no matter what the situation looks like. Not everything is as it seems. Beautiful film and powerful message!

[@parisjames37]

I hope this happens in real life, everyone deserves to be loved.

[@LanzCastro]

It is 2020 now and I just watched this short film and yes it is very amazing :-). I am very much fan of short films . Thanks for sharing.

[@samandros3451]

How did he know she was deaf? When she ran away, she just could have been shy or embarrassed. Cute film, but needs work on execution. And where did the skateboard go?

[@nitzajarymonserratmorancas1354]

This short film is just amazing. I did not expect this. This again gives the definition of true love. And how is it that a simple action changes all the meaning

[@enduraman1]

that short film made me cry. well done.

[@overseastailor6173]

I GUESS THE MORAEL OF STORY IS DO NOT JUDGE TOO EARLY.

[@olbapco]

Overseas Tailor or ever

[@asin7030]

I guess the moral of the story is do not judge too early

[@mardiiversen6450]

Why do I always feel like crying during these lovely short films?

[@jacklangley861]

Because you are a lovely human being...

[@messyspiller24]

Aww I used to watch this short film all the time and forgot about it. Then today after a few years, it popped back up and all the memories came back when I clicked. Funny how the universe works. This film is so sweet to me ❤

[@answersbysenseplz5758]

Expressing is important but understanding is far more important than anything. A good film with a decent concept.

[@elizabethbennet4791]

really good one. It was nice that in the end it turned out he already knew sign language!

[@adriantam5586]

Not just different, they were a different breed

[@attadeepameshram9222]

I am just speechless🤐🤐 My heart melt down to full of emotions...

[@justice6737]

This is so beautiful! I loved it. Amazing stuff.

[@sharonbarry8878]

That was sweet. I don't think I'll ever understand why someone would hit dislike. It's not like we just watched a political debate that we would like or not like. It is a story. If you don't like it just leave it be. Don't be so rude and hurtful.

[@orinkay838]

bcoz they are different...

[@leslierodriguez9914]

Shitty story telling. That's why. Sorry

[@makibahaynes]

Sharon Barry because its given to us as homework

[@jae-rizzle9775]

Because the title says "Award winning" so I was expecting some atleast mid level cinematography and captivating story telling. I get it's a positive message but definitely not executed the best

[@HeyhitmeBAM]

This was a waste of everyone involved’s time

[@filmshorts9104]

Nice cinematic feel along with the heartfelt message!

[@tanveerchowdhury7630]

Thank you uNeek Productions for the post.

[@lailamazer1082]

This film was beautiful. Excellent job!!!

[@CoachDeBora]

My takeaway. You never know what keeps another from helping you . . . up. Could be that they can't, even if it appears otherwise.

[@jyothim117]

This video helped me think in different way, tqu so much for making this vedio

[@vazquezgomezgael4197]

We see people in a certain way making a judgment about them without knowing how very different they can be from us, it is something that the human has, they only judge without first knowing the origin of things. This video shows us that one should not always look for what one is but that it is good to learn from people in order to get out of the routine.

[@greenasemerald8635]

Just after I started watching in 50 seconds I was regretting for picking this video to play, because something reminded me of someone I don't want to think about but then I watched the whole video and I'm greatful for the one who made this beautiful video and glad that I watched.

[@santubanik9671]

the smile wins my heart..

[@sunflowers_n_coffee]

This is the best I have seen since the neighbors window

[@jitendrashahani8517]

Pure souls.... Heart touching story... It's a love indeed. ❤😊

[@kathleenbennett2128]

Made me cry Was beautiful! !

[@viviansmallwood3078]

WONDERFUL short film‼️ There is such beauty in our differences. Let’s work on acknowledging them instead of JUDGING them. 💖💖💖

[@KhianaDream]

I really love the premise around in the story 😊

[@manzoestradakeniaalexandra4084]

All I can say about this video is that you can't judge someone by their look, you have to take the time to know them. in every moment you can take a surprise.

[@ramen2486]

so simple yet im tearing up. what a film

[@gargisen3634]

really lovely movie. It touched my heart!!❤❤

[@jermaindavis8257]

Gargi Sen Happy New Year! Please check out my short film, Paths of Interest. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH2ykoBpZtN3hpo

[@yuki4942]

Touch my heart

[@ogk4lyfmuzik]

Wow! What an incredible, inspirational short film 🔥💓🔥💯🇿🇦

[@mahasamer4003]

God, i loved her wide smile!

[@srinigaddirala]

can we say 'it's simply superb'

[@mwiley1980]

Magnificent. Great video something that is needed in today’s world. Thank you🌹❤️

[@catherinecabangunay591]

Wonderful clip showing the difference to people's live. Good job!👌😍 Kudos! for those who made this vid.I hope everyone will be aware with this. Each of us are different.

[@sdwcrld3262]

BASED ON THIS SHORT FILM COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE CHARACTERS USE THE VENN DIAGRAM PROVIDED BELOW