My Experience Filming Moonlight Hustle: Acting, Family, and a Story That Hit Home

I recently wrapped filming on an independent feature film titled **Moonlight Hustle—a crime-drama with the gritty heart of Breaking Bad and the clever heist energy of Ocean’s Eleven. Even more special, the movie was filmed in my hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, making the entire experience feel meaningful and full circle.

In the film, I had the pleasure of playing Priya, a woman who co-owns a deli convenience store with her brother. Together, they’re immigrants working hard to make ends meet, and they confide in the main character, Danny, that they’re struggling to pay off a loan. Their situation becomes the emotional spark that sends Danny into a high-stakes money-making scheme after he receives a life-threatening diagnosis and becomes desperate to secure his family’s future.

Acting With My Real-Life Brother

One of the most joyful parts of this role was working alongside my real brother, Ameer, who plays Priya’s brother in the film. Ameer has been acting longer than I have, and since I began my journey in the industry, we’ve worked together on several projects—including a Disney commercial and a WhatsApp commercial. Sharing the screen with him always feels natural, fun, and creatively energizing.

Here’s a funny story: Priya and Ravi (the characters we ended up playing) were originally written as husband and wife. When I auditioned, Ameer wasn’t available to read with me, so my sister filled in. I had no idea Ameer was even auditioning for the same film until we both booked the roles—as a married couple! Our agent immediately notified production, and thankfully the team was more than happy to adjust the characters into siblings instead. Crisis averted!

A Team Filled With Talent and Heart

Filming Moonlight Hustle was an absolute blast thanks to the incredible team behind it.

• Director Anthony Ferrante, known for the Sharknado franchise, is one of the most fun and imaginative directors I’ve worked with. His energy on set made every scene engaging, and he gives direction in a way that makes you feel both confident and inspired.

• Cinematographer Jeffrey Carlone kept the entire crew laughing while capturing gorgeous shots. His humor made long days feel light and enjoyable.

• Matthew Dame, who plays Danny, was also the film’s writer and one of its producers. He was down-to-earth, kind, and extremely generous with his knowledge. As a filmmaker myself, I had so many questions about his writing and producing process, and he genuinely took the time to sit with me and share insights and advice. Collaborating with people like him reminds me why I love this industry.

  
  

What’s Next for Moonlight Hustle

The film is set to premiere at Cannes and will continue its run through the festival circuit for potential distribution. Being part of a project with this kind of momentum is both humbling and exciting, and I’m grateful to have contributed to a story with so much heart and originality.

Working on Moonlight Hustle reinforced everything I love about acting—collaboration, creativity, storytelling, and connection. And getting to experience all of this alongside my brother made it even more meaningful.

I can’t wait to share more updates as the film makes its way into the world!