Synthetic Will Screen at New York Shorts Festival
The short film by NYU student Ismail Albukhari screens in New York City on October 13.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Science Fiction
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NYU Tisch School of the Arts student Ismail Albukhari will present his short film Synthetic at the New York Shorts International Film Festival on October 13. The 15-minute science fiction work explores characters who experience artificial emotions through a specialized pill.
Why it matters
Ismail Albukhari produced the film to expand the variety of storytelling styles within the Saudi film industry. By taking on multiple roles, he aimed to showcase new creative possibilities for Saudi filmmakers on an international stage.
The production has a 15-minute runtime and follows the filmmaker's 2022 short film, Resurrected, which also debuted at the Saudi Film Festival. The project was developed while the director balanced student life at NYU.
The players
Ismail Albukhari
He is an NYU Tisch School of the Arts student who wrote, directed, and co-produced the film Synthetic.
New York Shorts International Film Festival
This is an annual cinematic event that hosts screenings for short-form filmmakers in New York City.
NYU Tisch School of the Arts
This is a performing and media arts school at New York University that trains professional filmmakers.
The details
Ismail Albukhari wrote, directed, and co-produced the film while also acting in the project due to a shortage of available performers. The production required navigating significant budget and location constraints to complete the final cut.
Timeline
The filmmaker released his previous film Resurrected in 2022.
Synthetic will screen on October 13, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This screening reflects the growing international footprint of the Saudi film industry, which increasingly uses global festival circuits to distribute local creative works. It highlights a move toward diversified, high-concept storytelling that challenges traditional genre conventions.
Attendees at the New York Shorts International Film Festival can view the film on October 13 in New York City. Ticket availability and screening times remain subject to the festival's official schedule release.
The takeaway
Small-scale productions often succeed by leveraging the filmmaker's personal versatility when resources are limited. Aspiring creators can use university programs and specialized festivals to bridge the gap between regional debuts and global exhibition.
Further reading
Discover more emerging titles and experimental trends at the Science Fiction section.
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