IndoCenter is proud to present the premiere screening of a short film project we have sponsored, IMPERFECTION (21 min, color, 2002) by Writer/Director Amisha Upadhyaya and Aksha Productions. Screening will be followed by a Q&A; with the writer/director and a brief reception.

New Short Film Tackling Some Difficult Issues

New York, NY (September 10, 2002)Ñ What is the right thing to do in the name of love? Imperfection a short film by promising new writer/director,Amisha Upadhyaya, premiering on September 19, 2002 at the IndoCenter of Art and Culture, explores this question with a story of a couple whose unborn child is diagnosed with a potentially terminal birth defect.

Imperfection is a rare film in these times. It is a 20-minute meditation, a film content to let the story unfold while drawing the viewer into the struggles of the characters. The story is a stark portrayal of a coupleÕs dilemma whether to have a child that may have a terminal illness. The husband, Adam, reveals a secret that the same disease had taken the life of his mother, Nasima. As he shares memories of how the illness affected his mother and family, the couple arrives at a decision and strengthens their own drifting relationship.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth, the most common inherited neurological disorder, is the antagonist of the film, a particularly cruel disease that may or may not strike, that may or may not kill. The film while discussing the dilemma of parents faced with this situation stretches beyond mere documentation of a disease and puts a human face to this and other issues.

This film is essentially about unconditional love, says Ms. Upadhyaya, and nothing exemplifies such a love better than the bond of a parent and child. The connection of parents and children also allowed for an exploration of the past and present, not just through the genetic aspect of this disease but the many other elements which comprise usÑtraditions, religion, professionÑand how these inherited traits and ways of living are accepted, rejected or reinterpreted.

Imperfection has a gripping storytelling technique that weaves a poetic tapestry between the past and present. Each of the flashbacks to the past is filmed according to the different ways we remember, explains Ms. Upadhyaya. Memories can come to us in complete detail, in bits and pieces, in the first or third person, or viscerally through remembrance of a touch or smell.

The filmÕs nuanced performances deftly reveal ImperfectionÕs many layers. Sanjay Chandani captures the long-suffering Adam who has been living with a secret. Nasima, as powerfully portrayed by Maya Israel, grapples with accepting herself and the love from her family as she deteriorates from her illness. And 9-year old Humza Nomani draws the viewer into his childÕs world all the way through the filmÕs poignant conclusion.

Imperfection is the first film produced by an innovative new company, Aksha Productions. Aksha seeks to bring an unique South Asian voice internationally by producing U.S. independent films featuring nontraditional casting and presenting bold, new visions of South Asian cinema from India. For more information on this film and Aksha Productions, please visit www.aksha.com.

The premiere of ÒImperfectionÓ will be held at IndoCenter of Art and Culture at 7:30pm located in New York, New York at 530 West 25th Street (between 10th&11th Aves.).

Press Contact: IndoCenter of Art & Culture, 212-462-4221 Firdaus Rashid, [email protected]