Watched

WATCHED is the story of Naeem, who came to the Unites States from Bangladesh when he was 11 and lives with his family in New York City. The family owns a small store, which is struggling financially despite the long hours his parents put in. Now a senior in high school, his life is unraveling and he knows it. Once a studious "good" kid, Naeem has neglected his schoolwork to the point where he won't graduate with his class and is hanging out with a friend, Ibrahim, he knows is a bad influence. When Ibrahim plants some designer shirts in his backpack, Naeem is arrested for shoplifting. At the police station, NYPD detectives make him an offer. Work for them "watching" the Muslim community, and he won't be arrested. To sweeten the deal, they tell him he'll be a paid informant, able to bring home money his family desperately needs. So Naeem, who's always resented being watched by his parents and other adults in the neighborhood, becomes the watcher. Unexpectedly, this new role begins to give his life much needed direction. He enrolls in summer school and works hard. His family and neighbors comment on the positive changes they see in him. But when he's asked to help set up a friend for arrest, making the right choice may mean losing all he's gained.