BAPSI:
Internationally acclaimed author Bapsi Sidhwa recounts her inspirational life story with stunning insight in the upcoming biopic Bapsi. Viewers will be enchanted by this visually breathtaking narrative in which the universal themes of imagination, family values, and the undying nature of childhood echo the magic in our own lives. Discover the historic city of Lahore where she grew up, witne
ss the silent power of Pakistan's awesome mountain ranges where she visited as a child, and enjoy beautifully animated segments in this heartfelt testament to human creativity. Bapsi grew up in Lahore with her parents in a community of Zoroastrians – peace-loving followers of one of the oldest religions on earth, whose compassionate but gentle culture will delight and inspire. Her uniquely observant mind was galvanized at a young age through her battle with polio, which she contracted when she was two. This challenge and her eventual recovery at age 11 would ultimately shape her spirit in ways that are life affirming and representative of the power of a family’s love. Bapsi’s early experiences during the violent Partition of India inspired characters for her later novels, and contrast starkly with the ideals of her native Parsi Zoroastrian community. Her subsequent challenges throughout college, marriage, migration, divorce, re-marriage, child rearing, cultural assimilation, and achieving professional success reveal an enlightened soul whose infectious passion for creativity will invigorate audiences. Bapsi’s story highlights our ever-present ability to connect through art, and reminds us that our own individual challenges have the power to transform us and open our hearts to life’s infinite potential for transcendence through artistic expression. Her 5 novels: Cracking India, The Pakistani Bride, The Crow Eaters, An American Brat, and Water, have been translated and published in several languages. Her anthology City of Sin and Splendour: Writings on Lahore was published in 2006. Among her many honors Sidhwa received the Bunting Fellowship at Radcliffe/Harvard, the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Writer's Award, the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pakistans' highest honor in the arts, and the LiBeraturepreis in Germany and the 2007 Primo Mondello Award in Italy.
Director’s note:
This film will humanize and bring forth the unique, peaceful and distinct community of Parsis, through celebrating the life of a brilliant, creative genius of this community. It will include exciting animations of worship, stories of migration, of a country being split in two and the streets and rich culture of Lahore, the ancient city and heart of Punjab in South Asia, Pakistan. The documentary records her sensitive narratives of her experiences of a childhood sickness that presented an unusual twist to life, memories of the split of the Indian subcontinent, and her final migration as an accomplished and celebrated writer to the United States. Producer’s note:
Bapsi will be a non linear film fusing elements of fiction and non fiction. Bapsi's story with joy and inspiration at its heart. One that is life affirming, and inspirational especially for youth – our future decision makers and the underserved communities, we never know where a window is opened and a life is enlightened. Production company: Explore Their Stories. Chicago, Illinois USA
Director: Sadia Uqaili
Shooting Format: 4K and Full HD
Shooting Location: South East Asia, historic city of Lahore, hills of Murree and Houston, Texas USA 2017
The project is in production
