Anjali Bhushan’s feature-length documentary ‘My Home India’ is one among the 159 films that have been submitted under the Documentary Feature category for the 92nd Oscars and is under review.
Anjali Bhushan dons many hats, but turned director-producer for her latest documentary, which revisits India’s contribution in easing the Polish refugee crisis of the late 1930s, and pays tribute to Kira Banasinska, wife of the Polish Consul General. In 1939, when the Soviet Union annexed Poland, millions of Polish people were rendered homeless and the refugee crisis tumefied through World War 2. Despite India’s un-sovereign status at the time, it became the first country in the world to accept and offer domicile to the hapless Polish population.
“The refugees remind you that life is transient and change is the only constant. They found happiness in nothing, and made their lives more beautiful.”
In her soul-stirring documentary, Bhushan uncovers the lesser-known story of Kira Banasinska, who spearheaded the relief operations and galvanised help from all quarters to ensure that thousands of displaced people found a home in India. A mini Poland came up in the Valivade district and ‘My Home India’ revisits the Valivade experience. The place comes alive through the archival footage and rare unseen and unused interviews of Banasinska.
Based on research by Malgorzata Czausow, the film is in co-production with Film Polska, a leading Polish film production house. Mumbai-based Pravesh Sippy heralds as the Executive Producer. The film had its international premiere at London Indian Film Festival and has been on a glorious festival run ever since.
“The unforgettably feel-good ‘My Home India’ is an inspirational documentary that will have you in tears and every Indian glowing with pride”, said Cary Sawhney, the Executive and Programming Director for LIFF.
What's more, it was selected for the 16th Stuttgart Indian Film Festival and the 19th River to River Florence Indian Film Festival, among many others. Adding to its accolades, the film won the Best Documentary Award at both, 9th Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival and the 8th Kolkata Shorts International Film Festival.
The nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards will be announced on January 13, 2020. Till then, ‘My Home India’ will screen in Village East Cinemas in New York from November 8-14 and in Los Angeles at Laemmle Town Center from December 6 -12.