An Astoria filmmaker recently won the award for Best Drama Short at the 25th Coney Island Film Festival and an Outstanding Achievement Award at the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival, announced Sunday by Image Makers Films, a nonprofit also based in Astoria.

Razid Season’s film “Elijah,” which was shot in Astoria, Far Rockaway, Jackson Heights, Jamaica and Woodside, follows a teen girl coming to grips with her gender identity because she wants to transition as a man, while her family tries to find a sense of belonging in their pursuit of the American dream, said the nonprofit.

South Asian actors Debjani Banerjee, Ajaz Alam and Mithila Gazi are in leading roles. The cast also includes Eva Visco, Devon Slotnick, Edis JD, Adela Adriana Moscu, Marsin Mogielski, Titu Gazi, Chanchal Alamgir, Shaesta Khan and Mir Azam in supporting roles. Uladzimir Taukachou served as the director of photography. Indian composer Upasak Mukherjee and Italian musician Orazio Saracino crafted the musical score.

Season, whose film also came in second place at the Phoenix Film Festival, said he has been moved by the response and feedback at festival screenings.

“I feel honoured and privileged to hear the courageous personal stories shared by transgender communities across the country,” said Season.