Step Into the Surreal World of ANXIOUS. – Nida Chowdhry’s Debut Feature to Premiere at HAAPIFest
Get ready to laugh, cry, and journey deep into the kaleidoscopic chaos of the mind—ANXIOUS., the highly anticipated debut feature film from Pakistani-American storyteller Nida Chowdhry, is making its Houston premiere at HAAPIFest (Houston Asian American Pacific Islander Film Festival)!
Written, directed, and starring Chowdhry herself, ANXIOUS. is a surreal dark comedy that follows Ruby, a woman in the throes of an anxiety attack who tumbles down the rabbit hole of her mind—only to meet the many versions of herself competing for control of her life.
This genre-bending film blends sharp humor, whimsical visuals, and unflinching vulnerability, offering a fresh take on mental health through a bold South Asian American lens.
🎥 Why You Can’t Miss ANXIOUS. at HAAPIFest:
Meet the Director in Person: Nida Chowdhry will be present for a special Q&A and Meet & Greet following the screening. Don't miss the chance to hear her talk about her creative process, inspirations, and personal connection to the story.
Visually Captivating: Drawing inspiration from cult classics like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Amelie, and Alice in Wonderland, this fast-paced fashion film is set against the vibrant backdrops of Little Saigon and Little India in Orange County, California.
A Unique Voice in Cinema: As a rising force in the entertainment industry, Chowdhry brings wit, style, and substance to the screen. Her work has been featured on Refinery29, NBC, and Al Jazeera, and her television credits include major platforms like Disney, HBO Max, Netflix, PBS, and more.
📍 About the Director – Nida Chowdhry
Born in Lahore, Pakistan and raised in Orange County, California, Nida Chowdhry is an award-winning writer, director, and actor. She previously created the hit web series Unfair & Ugly, a dramedy about a South Asian Muslim-American family trying to keep it together in "The OC." In television, she’s penned over 25 episodes across networks including Disney, HBO Max, PBS, and Netflix.
With ANXIOUS., Chowdhry makes a fearless leap into feature filmmaking, delivering a story that’s as deeply personal as it is wildly entertaining.
🎟️ Don’t Miss ANXIOUS. at HAAPIFest
🗓️ Date: Saturday, May 31
🕡 Time: 6:45 PM
📍 Location: DoubleTree by Hilton – 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042
🎤 Special Guest: Q&A + Meet & Greet with Director Nida Chowdhry
Tickets & Details: www.haapifest.org/tickets
Join us at HAAPIFest to support bold, boundary-pushing Asian American voices in film—and prepare to be joyfully anxious.
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