Film produced and directed by alumnus to debut in Norcross

Thursday, September 11, 2008 – Ann Claycombe

Pushkaraj Paranjpe’s film career is moving fast. Last year, he finished his M.A. in communication at Georgia State, writing a screenplay for his thesis. After graduation, he found a producer, went to India, and spent five months making it into a film. Now, Paranjpe is premiering his film in Norcross, where it will run from September 19-25.

Dohaa or “Dark Waters,” is an adaptation of a classic novel written in the Marathi language, which is spoken in western India. The story is one of poverty and sexual entanglement, and the complicated relationship between them.

“The foundation for this film was laid right here at Georgia State,” Paranjpe said. He wrote the screenplay with the guidance of Communication faculty members Jack Boozer, Shirlene Holmes, and Ly Bolia. But it was a big jump, he said, from writing to directing the film and serving as its executive producer.

“Those were the most intense, grueling and rewarding five months of my life,” he said. “I did everything, from selecting caterers and hotels to negotiating with labs and lights and equipment suppliers.”

Paranjpe actually directed the film on a sabbatical from his full-time job as an architect in Alpharetta. He has a few new script ideas, he said, but has not yet put pen to paper. Instead, he’s enjoying his directorial debut.

“The most rewarding moment was after the premiere screening,” he said, “when my three-year-old daughter said she really liked the film.”

She wasn’t the only one. Dohaa won the Jury Award at the Jacksonville International Film Festival, and has been selected for the  Boston and Cape Cod International Film Festivals. The film has also been nominated for the Best Director and Best Film categories of the Maharastra State Film Awards in India.

For trailers, a plot synopsis, and reviews, go to the film website at www.dohaathefilm.com. For more information about the showing, go to the Galaxy Funplex – Peachtree web site.