Paakhi A Tyrewala’s film ‘Pahuna – The Little Visitors’ received a standing ovation as it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Pahuna - The Little Visitors

Pahuna – The Little Visitors

‘Pahuna – The Little Visitors is Paakhi A. Tyrewala’s first feature film after her highly acclaimed short film Kajaal. Pahuna will also be India’s first feature film in Sikkimese language which will also be dubbed 14 other languages.

Tyrewala faced a lot of challenges for this movie. She had been rejected 10 times by the producers as they were reluctant to back first time woman director who wanted to make a film on children, based in Sikkim. It was Priyanka Chopra who backed her for this project.

Paakhi says, ‘Some stories have to be told. Languages can’t be the barrier anymore. Especially today for us, it’s one definite way of transcending borders. This way we get to reach people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to watch the film. We are very thankful to CFSI and it’s CEO Shravan Kumar. For us, it’s one definite way.’

The film – a story about three Nepalese children who get separated from their parents, escape the Maoists’ agitation in Nepal and flee to Sikkim – received an overwhelming response from the global audience.

madhu chopra_priyanka chopra_paakhi tyrewala

Madhu Chopra, Priyanka Chopra & Paakhi Tyrewala at TIFF

Produced by Priyanka Chopra’s Purple Pebbles Productions, Pahuna – The Little Visitors – had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 7.