THE SUBWAY DREAM : “MANHATTAN TRANSFER”

Set in the wee hours of a Manhattan night, this short film captures a tired businessman dancing his worries away, then coolly stepping off onto the platform like it never happened. It is a pure form of expression, the type that embodies the daydreams of commuting New Yorkers. The hustle and bustle of the city, a wild dream, hostess by day, dancer by night, the life that none enjoy living but crave when it’s gone. This short film empowers the viewer to break free from their mould, to truly let go of whoever they are meant to be.

Performed by dancer Paulin Aby Maindron, the piece is directed by an upcoming Malaysian filmmaker, Taha Long, with Ana Vasquez as director of photography. The film is set to the song “Pyaar” by an award-winning Indian filmmaker and musician, Pranav Bhasin.

Taha Long is a Malaysian upcoming director, producer and writer based in New York City. Holding a Master’s in Film and Directing from the School of Visual Arts, under Bob Giraldi, Taha Long have had many experiences working in the industry alongside other filmmakers and artists. He has worked in casting, directing and producing short films and music videos. On top of writing and producing, Taha Long also produces notable film festivals such as Katra Film Series (Festival Coordinator) and New Faces New Voices (Festival Producer).

His own work primarily revolves around life’s absurdity and how one would cope in such scenarios, with all the humanity and humor that may offer. Furthermore, exploring the beauty in the mundane is also a key focus in his work. These two characteristics encapsulate the strange and yet still nature of his work.

See more of Taha Long’s works at www.tahalong.com