Cannes Film Festival (Le Marché du Film) 2019 – Jungle Cry
A true story, Jungle Cry follows the lives of 12 underprivileged children from the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in Orissa and their triumphant journey to the International Junior Rugby Tournament held in England in 2007.
Interview with Actor Emily Shah
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! This story is one that had to be told. These boys accomplished so much in such a short period of time and it was barely heard about or acknowledged. We hope this film can bring light to their story.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Besides being an inspiring story, it shows the magnitude of adversity these boys went through not only as tribal kids but as student-athletes. It highlights their personal struggles at home and the reality of their ways of life. This film showcases a different culture of India than what the regular media and entertainment have brought to the big screen in the past. In that way, it is very unique especially for a western audience to watch a film like this.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
My personal theme relates to this film in various ways. For one, ever since my pageant days, I have always managed to use my platform to benefit a cause especially one that was related to children. I became an ambassador for a non-profit who looked after critically ill pre-teen/teenage kids. I realized how much impact mentors can have on kids of that age range and how much their lessons can shape their adulthood. Jungle Cry happened to be my first major feature and with that, it brought me back the opportunity to spend time with these young boys as their physio on the screen and as their mentor off camera. Working on this film went beyond fulfilling my acting dreams. It brought me a heavier purpose every day on and off set.
As for a universal theme, I think most people can relate to some kind of adversity as a child/young adult. Despite those complications, their struggle and power to overcome and achieve milestones is where the theme lies. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. What matters is what you try to do with the opportunities you can create as an individual. These kids achieved an accolade through their education and that is major. Education is essential for any child and when you combine sports through that, the opportunities are endless.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Wearemovingstories.com displays various influential pieces. What caught my eye is the support for women that is immediately established on the website. Although this is a sports film, the female element of my character is vital. Her strength lies within the children as much as theirs does within her.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
At the moment, the film is keen on a distributor. With the right distribution team, this film has the essence to reach an international audience of all ages.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope that anyone, from any culture of any age, can watch this film and know that they are capable of whatever they set the power of their mind to. It is our job to bring these boys' stories to life and hopefully, it gives the audience some perspective. I anticipate that the audience can respect and appreciate this film as much as we did while making it.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
There are two major elements that spark debate from this film.
The first one is, how can underprivileged children gain a chance in society?
The presence of a woman on a male-driven sports team and the struggles they may face, (that too, of color).
Would you like to add anything else?
Jungle Cry is not just a sports film. It is a story about stepping out of one's comfort zone and believing in yourself beyond the stereotypes and hardships that come along the journey.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am finding that true stories are so compelling not just to watch but to make. With that said, I am in the stages of development of a film based on the true story of a royal family, as well as in the writing phase of a female-driven, action-based series.
Interview: May 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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
Jungle Cry
A true story, Jungle Cry follows the lives of 12 underprivileged children from the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in Orissa and their triumphant journey to the International Junior Rugby Tournament held in England in 2007.
Director: Sagar Ballary
Producer: Prashant Shah
Writer: Dipankar Giri
About the writer, director and producer:
SAGAR BALLARY is an Indian film director most known for his films Bheja Fry, Bheja Fry 2 and Bhatukli (Marathi).
PRASHANT SHAH holds some 25 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry, as a strategic and creative lead in production, distribution and exhibition, as well as an actor. The serial entrepreneur is a start-up specialist in key growth media markets in USA, UK and in India in the areas of content, technology and digital media. His production portfolio includes more than 30 feature length blockbuster Bollywood and Hollywood movies and several TV shows in USA, Canada, UK and India, with project budgets ranging from the US $3-75 million.
Key cast: Abhay Deol, Emily Shah
Looking for: sales agents, distributors, journalists, buyers
Instagram: @realemshah
Hashtags used: #junglecry, #sportsfilm, #rugby, #juniorworldchampionshiprugby
Other: IMDb
Funders: Bollywood Hollywood
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Releasing worldwide in summer 2019