“Don’t Disappoint Your Grandma” is a short film I co-wrote with my partner Tina Karakalla as a heartfelt tribute to language, memory, and the quiet power of intergenerational love. Commissioned as an initiative by Pomegranate Institute in Dubai, the film explores the importance of learning your mother tongue — especially for those of us growing up or raising children in immigrant communities.
It’s a playful yet sincere reminder that language is more than vocabulary — it’s a connection to who we are, where we come from, and the people who shaped us.
When we sat down to write the script, we knew we wanted to tell a story that felt familiar, funny, and emotionally grounded. The grandmother character came to us naturally — a figure many of us recognize: warm, wise, and just a little bit intimidating.
Though the production was intentionally modest in scale, we leaned on creative storytelling, relatable moments, and a tone that gently tugs at both the heart and the funny bone. With a minimal setup and a tiny crew, our focus was on honesty, rhythm, and resonance.
The shoot was simple, intimate, and full of heart. We used minimal equipment, working with available light and a small team. Every decision — from framing to pacing — was designed to serve the emotional core of the film.
We let the dialogue carry weight, especially the grandmother’s words in her mother tongue. We didn’t add subtitles — not as a barrier, but as a conscious choice. For those who understand, it hits deeper. For those who don’t, it sparks curiosity. Either way, the message comes through.
The response to “Don’t Disappoint Your Grandma” was overwhelmingly warm. Viewers across different cultures told us they saw their own families in it — their own grandmothers, their own internal struggles with heritage and language.
This film reminded us (and hopefully others) that it doesn’t take much to tell a meaningful story. Just care, collaboration, and a message that matters.