Woman Power: Priyanka Chopra announces three regional films to be helmed by female directors

As a producer, Priyanka Chopra is breaking new ground with Purple Pebble Pictures. After forays in Marathi and Punjabi cinema, PC is now moving in a different direction. She has announced three regional films expected to release later this year — in Sikkimese, Konkani and Hindi. All three films will be helmed by female directors. And all three will be children’s films.

Finding echoes...

Explaining her move, PC says, “This is a genre that I have always been excited about and I’m so glad that I am in a position today to do something meaningful in this space. India is a treasure trove of amazing stories that we all have grown up on. These are across all our languages and well entrenched in our memories. Each one resonates because we can relate to them. The films we are producing will find a similar echo in each child’s heart.”

Speaking about going with an all-woman team for these three films (directors included), PC says, “It has been an enriching experience to work with these incredibly talented women.  Each one has created a world, which is magical and draws you right in. I’m truly looking forward to working with my team.”

THE THREE FILMS

PAHUNA
(Sikkimese) by Paakhi Tyrewala
The first Sikkimese film ever, Pahuna is about three Nepali children who get separated from their parents, while fleeing the Maoist agitation in Nepal.

LITTLE JOE, KAHA HO?
(Konkani & Hindi) by Suvrata Nasnodkar
A light-hearted fun story about friendship, the film will be shot entirely in Goa and is a tribute to legendary cartoonists RK Laxman and Mario Miranda and their work.

ALMASEER
(Hindi) by Laura Mishra
Set against the backdrop of the  Taj Mahal, the film is an endearing story of friendship and loyalty between a young boy and his dog.

TO SIKKIM, WITH LOVE

• The state does not have a film industry of its own. With this film, Sikkim makes its debut into Indian cinema.  
   
• Filming commences in March 2017 across locations in the state, with support from the CM of Sikkim, Dr Pawan Kumar Chamling, Minister of Culture GM Gurung and Tourism Minister Ugen T Gyatso. The cast and many of the technicians are from the state, making Pahuna a truly Sikkimese film.
   
• “It’s so encouraging to see the depth of local talent.  Together with the local government, we hope to provide opportunities for the creative talent in Sikkim,” adds PC.