Bark

Seventeen-year-old AJ, engrossed in social media, is startled when his girlfriend, Priya, invites him to prom. Troubled, he delves into a blank profile, encountering anonymous men soliciting hookups. Simultaneously, a newlywed couple prepares for their first night together; while the wife is eager, the husband appears hesitant.

As AJ, convinced by James online, ventures into the unknown, the husband experiences a panic attack during his wife’s intimacy attempt. AJ eagerly bikes to meet James, while the husband drives frantically elsewhere. At the rendezvous point, an old tree, AJ is met by a seemingly friendly teenager, but the encounter turns grim when James assaults him.

Later, the husband returns to the tree, emotionally shattered. Ignoring a call from his wife, Priya, he succumbs to tears at the haunting memory of an irrevocably altered night.

Director Biography – Ganesh Thava

Ganesh Thava, a Tamil-Canadian writer, director, and actor, seamlessly navigates the realms of film and theatre. Trained at Toronto’s George Brown Theatre School and New York’s Neighborhood Playhouse Theatre, he fearlessly unravels everyday moments from underrepresented perspectives. Fueled by his immigrant journey, Ganesh passionately delves into the intersectionalities of ethnicity, status, and sexuality, aspiring to cultivate spaces where diverse voices articulate profound truths.

His creative ventures span various mediums. Currently workshopping in Toronto, Ganesh’s play “KOLI KARI” intricately explores the relationship between an immigrant son and his mother. Shortlisted for the prestigious Whistler Film Festival’s Screenwriters Lab, his feature film “MAN ABROAD” narrates an unconventional romance.

In 2021, Ganesh directed the award-winning Toronto Fringe show “MY KOREAN CANADIAN FRIEND.” His debut short film, “THE ORCHID & THE TREE,” premiered at the Reel Asian Film Festival, reaching audiences worldwide. This year, he developed his second short film, “BARK.”

His most personal project, the solo show “UNDER THE MANGO TREE,” crafted at Factory Theatre’s Foundry Playwriting Program, has received support from the Toronto Arts Council (TAC), Ontario Arts Council (OAC), and Canada Council for the Arts (CCA), propelling Ganesh’s creative journey.

Discover more about Ganesh Thava and his captivating projects at ganeshthava.com.

Director Statement

In our lives, there exist moments that possess the power to transform us irrevocably. Within this realm of decision-making, our humanity reveals itself in astonishing and liberating ways. However, what transpires when this very freedom is unjustly snatched away?

BARK, a short film, delves into the profound journey of a queer South Asian boy on the precipice of self-discovery. As he confronts his sexuality, he wages a silent battle against the rigid expectations imposed upon him by family and society. In this fragile and crucial moment, he stands at the edge of taking a courageous leap toward his authentic self. BARK is a poignant exploration of this pivotal moment in young AJ’s life. Yet, within this beautiful opportunity for self-awareness and growth, an unexpected turn changes his life forever.

Through evocative imagery and nuanced performances, BARK seeks to unearth the emotional depths and complexities of this young man’s journey. It is a meditation on the resilience of the human spirit, the struggle for authenticity, and the profound consequences that arise when personal freedom is jeopardized.

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