A couple must make some tough decisions after their baby is diagnosed with a potentially serious health condition in utero.

Interview with Writer/Director Leena Pendharkar

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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I wanted to explore a story around what happens when a serious issues is detected in utero with a baby. This is something that happened to myself and my husband, and I realized that it’s a very taboo subject matter, something people don’t often talk about, and I thought an independent film that explores the issues from the POV of an initiate relationship could be very powerful.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

This film explores the gray area around abortion, and how having to make some tough decisions around a pregnancy can be very polarizing. I think the film will make a person think and even question their own beliefs.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

There are themes around love, relationships and family, plus what happens when a family is challenged with some tough choices.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The script and the final film turned out to be pretty much the same, there were some scenes in the opening we shuffled and moved, but it was pretty much the same.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

We’ve traveled to cities all over the US from San Diego to Naples and Wichita, and we’ve had some very thought provoking discussion that were some times heart breaking. People often share their stories, which is the beauty of making such an intimate movie.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Yes, a young woman in a wheelchair in San Diego challenged me to think about disability in a way I had never considered…. I had never seen the film from the POV she shared.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Just to spark people’s interest and to get them to watch the movie!

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We are looking for a distributor who will really help us get this movie out there, really help us with some publicity and help us take it to the next level.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I hope that it will generate thoughtful discussion, and make people think.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What would you do if this happened to you?

Would you like to add anything else?

Anna Margaret Hollyman and Amir Arison really nailed the psychology of these characters. We’ve had a lot of people comment that they recognized themselves in these people.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I have been adapting a novel by Ursula K. Le Guin called The Telling, and am attaching to direct this movie some time next year. Also, writing a few other things.

October: 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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20 Weeks

A couple must make some tough decisions after their baby is diagnosed with a potentially serious health condition in utero.

Length: 90 minutes

Director: Leena Pendharkar

Producer: Jane Kelly Kosek

Writer: Leena Pendharkar

About the writer, director and producer:

Our bios are here: http://20weeks-movie.com/cast-and-crew/

Key cast: Anna Margaret Hollyman, Amir Arison, Michelle Krusiec, Sujata Day, Olga Aguilar

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Distributor

Social media handles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/20weeksmovie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/20weeksthemovie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/20weeksmovie/

Other: http://20weeks-movie.com/

Where will the film screen in the next month?

In the next two weeks, we will be playing at the following fests: Portland Film Festival, High Falls Film Festival, Cucalorus Film Festival, Lone Star Film Festival