EXPECTATIONS
Synopsis: Expectations is a study on the generational gap & mental health impact in an Indian migrant family based in multicultural Melbourne. It tells the story of a couple, Mrinal & Urmila, living in Australia with the grown-up son Sumit. It addresses a key Mental Health issue among migrant Indian diaspora in an easy-going Western country like Australia, where mismatch between parental expression and freedom sought by the 14–24-year-olds regarding their life choices is a major challenge leading to severe repercussions, with increasing sate of youth suicide and cosital disaffection. Mrinal has grown up in India, with a father with set views on how life was to be lived. Hard work, character & determination are the components of the magic sauce that makes life successful & worth living. Not much has changed for Mrinal from his childhood days in India, which defines his expectations from his son Sumit. He is worried about his son’s future. He often feels disassociated from Sumit & rejected by him. At times, the belligerence takes nasty overtones of a bully.
Sumit is a typical South Asian Australian youth growing up in Australia. This could be any other Western country. He is relaxed and easy going on the surface of things. He knows what makes life successful & enjoyable for his generation in Australia. He is confident and ambitious with his life choices. He sometimes finds it frustrating and stifled in being with his family, particularly his father. He loves them and in his own way appreciates who they are and what they want for him.
Urmila, has to stand between the two. She is smart & intuitive. Urmila is more understanding of her son. She has adapted to the changes & freedom in her adopted country of Australia. She feels she has to play a catalytic and sometimes impossible role to act as a bridge between her husband & son, to prevent breakdown in communication & prevent a mental health crisis leading to negative outcome, for her son
The crisis is taking place around us in the broader Australian Asian diaspora, as the kids grow up with the different set of expectations from their parents. The movie starts in a tense note. It becomes heightened ready for a catharsis, till …..
MY PROJECT
Highlights
Director : Mouli Ganguly
Director’ Statement The Director addresses a burning mental health issue. It deals with family violence with a sensitive and subtle portrayal. Addressing men’s violence against women at its roots would assist with the recovery needs of women and children, and mental health support for men in the community. A woman has a choice. It impacts on the man & can transform society. Family violence is a key issue in Australia. It is also a significant issue across Australia. Mouli is working with Australasian Centre for Human Rights & Health & other care organisations, to tell real stories that engage & provoke. The Director has used silence trusting the actors to bring out the emotionality. It is underpinned by a haunting song, as a theme, building in advice from leading mental health practitioners for maximum impact on viewers.
Cast
Cast & Crew List Expectations CAST & CREW CREDITS LIST
- Actors: Urmila : Hina Shahid, Mrinal – Yusuf Sultan; Sumit Faraz Sufi Sultan.
- Original Story: Moulinath Ganguly.
- Screenplay Moulinath Ganguly & Norman Lingwood.
- Music : Neeraj Sharma.
- DOP, Lights, Camera, Editing – Norman Lingwood;
- Sound Recording, Second Camera – Dipanjan Ghosh.
- Digital Creative Arts – Shipra Anand;
- Production Team – Trudy Lingwood, Dipanjan Ghosh
- Producer : Norman Lingwood, Creative Movies, Lotus Entertainers, 50:50 Productions.
- Director : Moulinath Ganguly.
Working Stills
Gallery
