ওয়াশিংটন বাংলা রেডিও Washington Bangla Radio USA

By Chaitali Nagpal Hireker, London, UK

London, UK, Feb 8, 2012 (Washington Bangla Radio) Internationally acclaimed Producer/Director Rohit Gupta's globe trotting acclaimed feature, LIFE! CAMERA ACTION... has been invited as an Official Selection to screen at the Filums 2012 (Lums International Film Festival) in Lahore, Pakistan from February 10 - 12.

LIFE! CAMERA ACTION... at Washington Intl. Film Festival

The Filums 2012 is a creation of The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) in collaboration with LUMS Media Arts Society (LMA). In it's sixth year, it is one of the largest youth organized film festivals in South Asia and Pakistan. Over 150 entries were received from all over the world for the 2012 fest and the final selections will be presenting their creative talent through the medium of film. The aim of the event is to give the art of filmmaking a much needed resuscitation in Pakistan. It serves as an important platform for the youth, upcoming film-makers and enthusiasts to showcase their talent and come together to celebrate their passion. Last year's guests celebs included Reema Khan, Syed Noor, Usman Peerzada and Sarmad Khoosat.

Life! Camera Action...stars Washington based Award winning Actor, Noor Nagmi, who won the Best Supporting Actor award for his true to life role in this internationally acclaimed film at the World Music & Independent Film Festival (WMIFF) 2011 in a star studded red carpet gala awards ceremony in August 2011.

When asked to comment on the upcoming screening in his home-town of Lahore, Naghmi responded emotionally, "I am pleased, thrilled and overwhelmed. For my award winning film to be shown in Lahore, where I come from, and where I started my career, is a humbling and gratifying feeling".

Naghmi, originally from Lahore, began his career in 1964, aged 7, as a child actor in the first ever children's play for PTV Lahore. Noor's many film credits include 'THE SENTINEL' starring Michael Douglas and Eva Langoria, 'TARANA' with Rani and Waheed Murad, and 'KHUSHBOO' with Shahid and Mumtaz. His latest projects include 'Spirits of Mumbai' a feature directed by John Tillotson to be released soon which also features Bollywood actress Pooja Batra of Virasat fame.

Naghmi is a graduate from the American Academy of Dramatic Art - New York, and has also studied TV and film production at the American University - Washington DC. Naghmi founded the Phoenix Rising Media Group and has produced and directed an extensive variety of programs for PTV, ARY, NTM, ZEE TV and MHZ including the series, 'MIRZA GHALIB', 'JUNOON' and 'AMREECA CHALO' and a popular weekly magazine show 'NEW HORIZON' for MHZ. He was also part of NBC's Debbie Allan project, 'MY PARENTS, MY SISTER AND ME'.

Written by Rohit and Amanda Sodhi, LIFE! CAMERA ACTION...takes audiences on a roller-coaster ride to discover what it means to pursue one's dreams and tells the inspiring story of Reina (played by Actress Dipti Mehta), a young Indian-American woman who sets off to pursue a career in filmmaking against the wishes of her parents. She struggles to complete her annual film project, but realises her dream while working with her classmates and with encouragement from unexpected quarters. Naghmi convincingly plays the role of Uncle Sherdil, a supportive and encouraging father figure, who portrays his character to the desired depth of emotion to move the viewer to tears.

The Bangladesh Chronicle critic review says, "Rohit Gupta managed to use a small budget optimally to produce a film that could easily compete with major publicized films. The plot is divided into three segments - Life!, Camera and Action. These correspond more or less to the classical Exposition, Rising Action and Climax of a dramatic structure".

Life! Camera Action...has a talented cast led by Dipti Mehta, Shaheed Woods, Noor Naghmi, John Crann and a song sung by bollywood's favorite singer KK. LCA has won over 50 international accolades and awards at international film festivals and has been tremendously praised by its audience, judges & Jury around the world.

In an interview with Duniya TV, Naghmi said, "The film touches a chord with the second / third generation of South-East Asians in the Western society, who may be interested in pursuing one of the less traditional careers, than what their parents expect of them. This is sensitively depicted in the story of Reina and her struggle as shown in LCA. The film will encourage the youth to reach for their dreams and to make them come true".

Naghmi is presently in pre-production stage of a rib tickling film 'My big fake Indian Wedding', along with Rohit Gupta who will also be directing this much awaited dream project of Naghmi's.

When asked to comment on his choice of Director, Naghmi said, "I have worked closely with Rohit in LCA and saw that he has a refreshing style and approach towards film making. I have now known him for a few years and asking him to be the Director was a natural choice".

Naghmi also hinted that this film will be an ensemble of various ethnicities and characters, and some preferred names from the Hollywood industry have already shown keen interest. "Due to the magnitude of this project, it will be some time before we can get into production" said Naghmi on the status of 'My Big Fake Indian Wedding'."The story is hilarious. I am happy to be a part of Noor's dream project. The Story is hilarious! 'Watch this space'! said the excited Director Rohit Gupta.