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NAAC  SUPPORT NOTTINGHAM FILMMAKER AND BARRISTER, WHO HAS LEFT THE BRITISH FILM INDUSTRY AMAZED WITH HIS DOCUMENTARY CAMA SOOD HARA SCREENED AT ARC CINEMAS INTERNATIONALLY.

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Following the success of his first documentary My Niece's Big Fat Delhi wedding, and the sell out at the latest screening at the Beeston Arc Cinema, Barrister and Filmmaker Haresh Sood's Documentary, Cama Sood Hara is set to mesmerise the Irish audiences, this June as part of its international tour.

Cama Sood Hara returned to Nottingham since it’s premiere last Diwali, making a special stop for Nottingham Asian Arts Council (NAAC) members. Tickets were sold out as soon as they were up for sale, and the Arc Cinema had to move the screening auditorium thrice before finally opening up their largest screen to make space for audience demand.

After having beaten Mark Walhburg’s film, Flight Risk, in its opening weekend at Arc Cinemas in January, the Beeston screening has left the Nottingham crowd captivated. The film which addresses many taboo topics, has left the audience in deeper conversation with each other, igniting discussion amongst those believing that change is needed from age-old traditional values about marriage, that no longer have a place within modern day society.

The Beeston screening, was attended by VIP guests, the Legendary Godmother of South Asian Arts and Culture in Nottingham, Mrs. Tripta Chandra. Mrs. Chandra, was the fore founding Chairlady of NAAC was also the first Indian female Magistrate (J.P.) in the United Kingdom. To read more about her, click here. She was joined by renowned Human Rights Barrister and retired Judge, Usha Rani Sood, who has played an instrumental role in bringing South Asian Arts and Films to Nottingham. She was also one of the founding members of Roshni Refuge and Karma Nirvana, to read more about her, click here. Joining these illustrious women was, Pediatrician Dr. Renu Khetan who is the author of the best selling 'Becoming a Badass Meditator'. To read more about her, click here. A true surprise was Raj Sood, who joined the VIP guest list as the guest of honour. She is one of the fore founding members of the Asian Women’s Association and Kala Niketan Hindi School. They were all welcomed on the Red Carpet by Producer Sarita Sood.

The Little Princess Trust (TLPT), represented by Wendy Tarplee-Morris (Co-founder) and Phil Brace (CEO) were also part of the VIP guest list. TLPT is a charity close to Haresh’s heart, as he has been supporting them for the last 15 years, by donating his hair 6 times.

The screening was hosted by Sushma Rawat (Film Analyst), and the Q&A session was conducted by Payal Sood (Film Publicist).

Cama Sood Hara had its audiences gripped to their seats, all mesmerised by the story telling, so wittingly and cleverly weaved into the theme of the documentary. As the audience moved through one emotion onto the next, they were left with questions to reflect upon. They were asked to, so subtly through the documentary, to ponder upon the entire system of marriage, their own relationships and beliefs with regards to the institution of marriage, regardless of one’s ethnic background.

Through the film, Haresh has asked us to reflect if the transition to marriage is a personal choice, or a social construct so ingrained within us, that we begin to believe it is a personal choice. Whilst Haresh navigates love, loss and everything in between, he urges his audience to ultimately decide for themselves if happiness and marriage are interlinked, and if these are an individual’s choice or something dependent upon social constructs and ideologies.

The film, which pays tribute to Haresh's late mother, brought many of her friends to the screening, including Mrs Kanta Purwaha (Haresh's mum's first friend upon her arrival in the UK in 1969), and her other friends, Mrs Saini, Gupta, Fakey, Bedi and Mrs Chand and other members of the community. 

Nottingham Asian Arts Council who supported the event, had their most prominent member Mr. Bhavesh Jani (Co-Ordinator), and his wife, Neeta, attending the screening welcoming the VIP's. 

Javed and Bakshinder Akhtar and their daughter and family, who contributed to the documentary with their old film B roll footage, were also in attendance.

Through this documentary, Haresh shows us the power of self-love, and how happiness is not dependent on others, but upon the self. As Haresh found his own voice, against the internal and external conflicts, he prompts the audience to find their own larynx, by looking within and paying attention to the L words, we all often overlook or take for granted in our lives which are highlighted across screenings.

With the brilliant cinematography, storytelling and interviews, Haresh cleverly brings to the audience, thought-provoking questions exposing the dark under belly of the Indian Matrimonial system globally. Haresh very openly and candidly exposes the taunts, discrimination and comments he has had to endure to date.

Through his fresh approach to an age-old subject, Haresh very cleverly turned the spotlight onto the champions of marriage, regardless of the cultures they represent, provoking them to introspect upon the institution of marriage. Haresh with his wit and humour, invites these advocates of marriage (some of whom were sitting in the audience), to sell the institution of matrimony to him. â€‹

In this documentary, Haresh goes on to share an insightful theory as to why relationships work and fail, from his own experiences based on a plethora of research from experts called the 'I theory.’

This film has been shot over 5 countries (UK, India, Kuwait, Spain and Norway), with a cast and crew of 250 people. Throughout the film, you will experience breath-taking scenery, melodious tunes, from global artists. Some of the notable musicians featured in this film are Alice Offley, DJ Skillmaster, The Days of Tomorrow, Raj Beri and much more

The food, a delicious array of Indian street food was catered by Arya's Kitchen.

Haresh and his buddy Pancho, the star of the film, are touring internationally with the documentary, giving “Pawtographs.” Pancho mesmerises the audiences with his on-screen debut and off screen presence.Amongst all these, Pancho struck a pose for the Beestonian (click here). 

Following the successes of Cama Sood Hara screenings across the country, Haresh Sood was invited to speak on the Arun Verma show on BBC Nottingham. (click image below to listen). In addition to this, Haresh was also featured in the Barrister Magazine “Counsel” (click image below to read). To learn more about Haresh Sood's work as a Barrister and areas of specialisation, click here.

The management and the staff of the Arc Cinema are 'absolutely delighted'  to be one of the hosts and screening partners including, Mark Gallagher, (Head of Marketing U.K. & Ireland, Malcolm Riedlinger (Area Manager and Graeme Tyson (Beeston Manager).

The film is due to return to Nottingham later this year due to popular demand, and for those who missed it, keep your eyes on the film website here, and book your tickets early. 

For all the love and support Haresh has received on the tour, he shares, 'this has been truly humbling and beautiful experience for which I want to thank God'. 

Pictures courtesy of - A Touch of Frost Photography by Christopher Frost (click here).  Christopher Frost is also a writer for Beestonian Magazine and covered the premiere which can be viewed here. For more information about him click here; 
 

Satya Yadav
Press Officer & Writer

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