Ammagaru, a widowed matriarch, lives in her ancestral home with Balamma, her long-time housemaid. As Sankranthi, the Indian harvest festival, approaches, Ammagaru is thrilled when her son, who lives abroad, announces he will visit. She and Balamma eagerly prepare the house with the help of villagers. On the festival day, Balamma finds Ammagaru distant and learns that her son has canceled his trip once again. Ammagaru, overwhelmed by disappointment, lashes out at Balamma, telling her to leave. However, when Balamma returns, Ammagaru discovers that Balamma's abusive husband, Malayya, has also come home for the festival, and Balamma prefers Ammagaru’s home. The two women find solace in each other. Despite their differing social statuses, they are bonded by loneliness and unfulfilled expectations, deepening their quiet companionship.
Raman is a writer, director and producer of Indian descent and based in New York City. He is currently pursuing an MFA in Film at Columbia University. Raman endeavors to tell stories that center characters and communities not often seen on screen to be emotionally engaging, entertaining and challenging.
The New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) is the oldest, most prestigious film festival screening premieres of feature, documentary and
short films made from, of, and about the Indian subcontinent in the Independent, arthouse, alternate and diaspora genres.
