Tether’ – Acclaimed Hollywood Feature Film to Compete in World Cinema Section at 23rd Chennai International Film Festival

 *‘Tether’ – Acclaimed Hollywood Feature Film to Compete in World Cinema Section at 23rd Chennai International Film Festival*

*Chennai-origin Tamil Living in the U.S. Hariharasudhen Nagarajan Makes a Stunning Debut as Director and Producer with ‘Tether’*

The Hollywood independent feature film ‘Tether’, marking the directorial debut of Hariharasudhen Nagarajan, has been officially selected for the World Cinema Competition at the 23rd Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF).

The film will have two public screenings: December 14, 2025, 10:00 AM – Seasons, Sathyam Cinemas and December 18, 2025, 9:45 AM – Screen 1, INOX Citi Centre.

Directed and produced by Hariharasudhen Nagarajan and written by Anghus Houvouras, ‘Tether’ is a gripping drama that examines the devastating aftermath of a school mass shooting. The story intimately follows a grieving family struggling with the loss of their daughter and the clinically depressed former school resource officer who froze in the critical moment, unable to act: a hesitation that cost the lives of 15 children.

Following its World Premiere at the prestigious Dances With Films: Los Angeles festival and earning strong critical praise from reputed international publications, the Chennai screenings of ‘Tether’ mark a significant homecoming for debut director Hariharasudhen Nagarajan and offer Indian audiences a rare opportunity to experience this emotionally resonant and timely Hollywood production on the big screen. 

Hariharasudhen Nagarajan harbours a deep passion for filmmaking and telling stories that are set within intimate, emotionally charged situations. 'Tether,' his first feature, self-funded and shot in ten days, addresses a socially relevant topic through the lens of human empathy. His South Indian origins and subsequent exposure to various languages of cinema and life in the United States make him an accessible voice in putting drama on screen.

‘Tether’, currently in its festival run, was an Official Selection of Dances With Films: Los Angeles (recognized by USA Today as a Top 10 North American Film Festival), where it was nominated for the Best Narrative Feature. The film and his work have earned coverage in esteemed publications such as Deadline, Broadway World, and AU Review. Hariharasudhen’s short films have been screened at Canadian Screen Award qualifying festivals. His upcoming Tamil feature release, where he worked as an Additional Screenplay Writer, is directed by Madhumita.

Produced by PDM Productions, 'Tether' stars Nick Giedris, Ben Burton, Laura Faye Smith, Joanna Cretella, Sophia Dawson, and Arielle James. Important Crew Members: Nick Walker (Director of Photography), Alejandra Armijo (Editor), Cassie Howell (Production Designer), Darryl John Hannan (Composer), Nathan Ruyle (Sound Design), Nicole Wu (Producer).