Ali's World Famous Halal Cart — TV Pilot
New York City, New York | Series
Family, Comedy
Ali’s World Famous Halal Cart is a TV pilot that spotlights underrepresented communities: street vendors and Muslim-Americans of Indian descent. Through a comedic lens, the pilot unpacks generational trauma, family dysfunction, and the grey area of morality. Enjoy!
Ali's World Famous Halal Cart — TV Pilot
New York City, New York | Series
Family, Comedy
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $10,000 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
55 supporters | followers
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Ali’s World Famous Halal Cart is a TV pilot that spotlights underrepresented communities: street vendors and Muslim-Americans of Indian descent. Through a comedic lens, the pilot unpacks generational trauma, family dysfunction, and the grey area of morality. Enjoy!
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The halal carts of New York City deserve your attention.
With a decade-long waiting list that is currently closed, securing a food vending permit from New York City is nearly impossible. According to the deputy director of the Street Vendor Project, “[street vendors have been] forced to rent permits on the underground market for upwards of $25,000 for two years (as opposed to under $1000 for two years under the city license).” Street vendors are getting ripped off and New York isn’t acting fast enough.
Ali’s World Famous Halal Cart follows Mira Karim, a 23-year-old girl who struggles to find a job in the non-profit sector to (finally) escape her conservative mother. Well, who knew her estranged father's death would be just what she needed! Once Mira inherits Ali's Halal Cart, she clashes with her older brother Saif, the (secretly) unemployed favorite child with a baby on the way, and their mother Zoya, who will stop at nothing to arrange Mira with a wealthy suitor.
Mira uncovers secrets about her family that push her to learn more about her late father and prove his innocence. Along the way, Mira falls in love, encounters the police, runs a black market, and faces the challenges of operating a halal cart.
At its core, our show is a coming-of-age dramedy that asks what it means to be a good person. Ali’s World Famous Halal Cart will make you hug your loved ones, crave some lamb over rice, and question if you could run a halal cart in NYC.
"Growing up as an Indian-Muslim-American was often confusing. I dreaded giving the long-winded explanation of my origin because it was usually met with blank stares or more questions. I envied those who could point to characters in the media and say, “Oh, like them!” Representation was either Indian or Muslim, and most leaned on harmful stereotypes.
When I moved to New York, I was struck by the number of halal carts on the street. A simple plate of chicken or lamb over rice is essential to the American experience in the city, not just Muslim or South Asian Americans.
I hope this show becomes an inside joke for people like me, people with complicated families, and people who question what it means to be a good person. Here's a glimpse into an immigrant community that exemplifies the American spirit!"
- Jameel Shivji
PRE-PRODUCTION (in-process):
Good news... we bought a halal cart and we are currently customizing it (follow along @worldfamoushalalcart)!! Otherwise, we have already test-shot an exciting scene, 99% of our crew is locked, and our closets are full of props!
PRODUCTION:
With your support, we will be working 12-hour days on various weekends in November and December of 2025.
POST-PRODUCTION:
Editing, including color grading, sound design, and assembly, will take place in the Spring of 2026. However, our editors will be providing rough cuts throughout production to ensure things are going as planned.
DISTRIBUTION:
Once the pilot is completed, we'll be submitting it to all the major festivals to get the attention of networks, streamers, and producers. After our festival run, we'll be releasing it to the general public!
ACTION ITEMS
DONATE, no matter how big or small. Everything helps!
FOLLOW @worldfamoushalalcart on Instagram and TikTok!
SHARE this page with friends and family!
HUG yourself because your support means the world!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment Transport
Costs $2,000
Van rentals, gas, overnight parking for transporting equipment
Locations
Costs $2,000
Bring to life a California mansion, a New York apartment, and a Halal cart vendor
Food
Costs $4,000
Food for three weekends to feed our cast and crew
Props, Costumes, Set Dressing
Costs $2,000
Everything the art department needs to bring our show to life
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
JAMEEL SHIVJI
SHOWRUNNER
Jameel Shivji is an actor, writer, and director currently studying Film and Television at NYU with a minor in BEMT (Business for Entertainment, Media, and Technologies). He entered the Entertainment industry as a guest, recurring, and supporting actor on various projects across networks such as Netflix, Nickelodeon, ABC, and more. After graduating high school, he spent two years co-founding HAGS—an app funded by Google Ventures and BoxGroup— and ultimately sold it to Snap Inc.. His passion for Entertainment led him to NYU, where he's written multiple original pilots and specs. Most recently, he interned at Buffalo8 in development. Jameel is grateful to have such a skilled, diverse, and trustworthy team.
GABY CASTRILLON
DIRECTOR
Gaby Castrillon is a dedicated and collaborative filmmaker currently studying Film & Television at NYU, with minors in Business Studies and BEMT (Business for Entertainment, Media, and Technologies). She’s interned at places like Falco Ink, a public relations firm, and Platinum Sound Recording Studios. She also has experience across independent film production, casting, and creative marketing. She always bringing a thoughtful, research-driven approach to every project. Gaby is passionate about telling stories that feel grounded and authentic, often centering relationships and moments that feel lived-in.
KATE FUGITT
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Kate Fugitt is an award-winning producer and editor, currently a junior at NYU majoring in Film & Television with minors in Producing and BEMT. Her work has been showcased at various festivals including The Museum of the Moving Image Teen Festival, All American High School Film Festival, and The White Rabbit Film Festival. This past year she produced “Input:Offput,” one of the TV Bootcamp shows as well as both Children’s TV productions. In the Fall she interned with ScreenCrush as an Editor. This Spring she is interning at Schneps Media as a Video Production Assistant. She's beyond excited to be a part of this project.
LUCAS FAROL
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Lucas Farol is a Los Angeles and New York based cinematographer studying Film & Television at NYU. His work spans narrative films, music videos, fashion campaigns, and experimental projects. Lucas has worked on fashion commercials for brands like Brandon Hurtado Sandler and Wenjue Lu, and shot projects across the world, including productions that recently finished in Estonia and Tokyo.
ALIZÉ PEREZ
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Alizé Perez is a filmmaker born and raised in Miami, FL, currently studying Film & Television at NYU with minors in BEMT & CAMS. A 2022 YoungArts Merit Recipient for Visual Arts, Alizé’s work was recently screened at the FilmGate Femme Directors Festival. She is currently gaining hands-on experience through her work with the International Emmys and as a Production Designer on various film sets. Through both her directorial work and art direction, Alizé is passionate about telling authentic stories of womanhood and amplifying the voices of women and BIPOC. She is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this project!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The halal carts of New York City deserve your attention.
With a decade-long waiting list that is currently closed, securing a food vending permit from New York City is nearly impossible. According to the deputy director of the Street Vendor Project, “[street vendors have been] forced to rent permits on the underground market for upwards of $25,000 for two years (as opposed to under $1000 for two years under the city license).” Street vendors are getting ripped off and New York isn’t acting fast enough.
Ali’s World Famous Halal Cart follows Mira Karim, a 23-year-old girl who struggles to find a job in the non-profit sector to (finally) escape her conservative mother. Well, who knew her estranged father's death would be just what she needed! Once Mira inherits Ali's Halal Cart, she clashes with her older brother Saif, the (secretly) unemployed favorite child with a baby on the way, and their mother Zoya, who will stop at nothing to arrange Mira with a wealthy suitor.
Mira uncovers secrets about her family that push her to learn more about her late father and prove his innocence. Along the way, Mira falls in love, encounters the police, runs a black market, and faces the challenges of operating a halal cart.
At its core, our show is a coming-of-age dramedy that asks what it means to be a good person. Ali’s World Famous Halal Cart will make you hug your loved ones, crave some lamb over rice, and question if you could run a halal cart in NYC.
"Growing up as an Indian-Muslim-American was often confusing. I dreaded giving the long-winded explanation of my origin because it was usually met with blank stares or more questions. I envied those who could point to characters in the media and say, “Oh, like them!” Representation was either Indian or Muslim, and most leaned on harmful stereotypes.
When I moved to New York, I was struck by the number of halal carts on the street. A simple plate of chicken or lamb over rice is essential to the American experience in the city, not just Muslim or South Asian Americans.
I hope this show becomes an inside joke for people like me, people with complicated families, and people who question what it means to be a good person. Here's a glimpse into an immigrant community that exemplifies the American spirit!"
- Jameel Shivji
PRE-PRODUCTION (in-process):
Good news... we bought a halal cart and we are currently customizing it (follow along @worldfamoushalalcart)!! Otherwise, we have already test-shot an exciting scene, 99% of our crew is locked, and our closets are full of props!
PRODUCTION:
With your support, we will be working 12-hour days on various weekends in November and December of 2025.
POST-PRODUCTION:
Editing, including color grading, sound design, and assembly, will take place in the Spring of 2026. However, our editors will be providing rough cuts throughout production to ensure things are going as planned.
DISTRIBUTION:
Once the pilot is completed, we'll be submitting it to all the major festivals to get the attention of networks, streamers, and producers. After our festival run, we'll be releasing it to the general public!
ACTION ITEMS
DONATE, no matter how big or small. Everything helps!
FOLLOW @worldfamoushalalcart on Instagram and TikTok!
SHARE this page with friends and family!
HUG yourself because your support means the world!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Equipment Transport
Costs $2,000
Van rentals, gas, overnight parking for transporting equipment
Locations
Costs $2,000
Bring to life a California mansion, a New York apartment, and a Halal cart vendor
Food
Costs $4,000
Food for three weekends to feed our cast and crew
Props, Costumes, Set Dressing
Costs $2,000
Everything the art department needs to bring our show to life
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
JAMEEL SHIVJI
SHOWRUNNER
Jameel Shivji is an actor, writer, and director currently studying Film and Television at NYU with a minor in BEMT (Business for Entertainment, Media, and Technologies). He entered the Entertainment industry as a guest, recurring, and supporting actor on various projects across networks such as Netflix, Nickelodeon, ABC, and more. After graduating high school, he spent two years co-founding HAGS—an app funded by Google Ventures and BoxGroup— and ultimately sold it to Snap Inc.. His passion for Entertainment led him to NYU, where he's written multiple original pilots and specs. Most recently, he interned at Buffalo8 in development. Jameel is grateful to have such a skilled, diverse, and trustworthy team.
GABY CASTRILLON
DIRECTOR
Gaby Castrillon is a dedicated and collaborative filmmaker currently studying Film & Television at NYU, with minors in Business Studies and BEMT (Business for Entertainment, Media, and Technologies). She’s interned at places like Falco Ink, a public relations firm, and Platinum Sound Recording Studios. She also has experience across independent film production, casting, and creative marketing. She always bringing a thoughtful, research-driven approach to every project. Gaby is passionate about telling stories that feel grounded and authentic, often centering relationships and moments that feel lived-in.
KATE FUGITT
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Kate Fugitt is an award-winning producer and editor, currently a junior at NYU majoring in Film & Television with minors in Producing and BEMT. Her work has been showcased at various festivals including The Museum of the Moving Image Teen Festival, All American High School Film Festival, and The White Rabbit Film Festival. This past year she produced “Input:Offput,” one of the TV Bootcamp shows as well as both Children’s TV productions. In the Fall she interned with ScreenCrush as an Editor. This Spring she is interning at Schneps Media as a Video Production Assistant. She's beyond excited to be a part of this project.
LUCAS FAROL
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Lucas Farol is a Los Angeles and New York based cinematographer studying Film & Television at NYU. His work spans narrative films, music videos, fashion campaigns, and experimental projects. Lucas has worked on fashion commercials for brands like Brandon Hurtado Sandler and Wenjue Lu, and shot projects across the world, including productions that recently finished in Estonia and Tokyo.
ALIZÉ PEREZ
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Alizé Perez is a filmmaker born and raised in Miami, FL, currently studying Film & Television at NYU with minors in BEMT & CAMS. A 2022 YoungArts Merit Recipient for Visual Arts, Alizé’s work was recently screened at the FilmGate Femme Directors Festival. She is currently gaining hands-on experience through her work with the International Emmys and as a Production Designer on various film sets. Through both her directorial work and art direction, Alizé is passionate about telling authentic stories of womanhood and amplifying the voices of women and BIPOC. She is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this project!