Award-winning documentary ‘Raising The Bar’ premieres in India

Helmed by National Award winning director, Onir ‘Raising The Bar' is a 70-minute documentary which has won several awards internationally and has just now has its India premiere last evening in Mumbai, immediately after the screening held in Delhi earlier this week. The film's screening in Mumbai saw an array of faces from the entertainment business who came in support of the film including ace filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, actors Tannishtha Chatterjee , Shreyas Talpade , Rasika Dugal , Sohail Khan , Sanjay Suri , Nidhi Singh , Isha Talwar and others. Also spotted were Mini Mathur , Parmeet Sethi with wife Archana Puran Singh along with the director of the documentary, Onir , Mitu Bhowmick Lange , the co-producer of the film and the owner of Mind Blowing Films in Melbourne. The attendees got a chance to meet the special kids with down syndrome who came in for the screening along with their parents.

The film is a poignant tale which follows awe-inspiring stories of six young individuals with Down syndrome from two different continents who all meet at the World Down Syndrome Congress in Chennai. This film has been produced by Mitu Bhowmick, Founder, Mind Blowing Films and Cate Sayers of e.motion21. The film premiered to a standing ovation at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne where it was presented by acclaimed actress, Vidya Balan .

Down syndrome is the most common cause of intellectual disability and India has the highest number of babies born with Down syndrome worldwide at almost 30,000 per year. Raising The Bar breaks stereotypes, telling a tale of love, determination, and the human spirit, and refusing to accept traditional constraints placed by society. The documentary feature intends to create awareness and emotionally engage its viewers with its universal message of inclusion and diversity, celebrating the differences that make us all unique.

“This documentary raises questions about society’s influence on all of us. It is beautiful, thought-provoking and challenging. People with Down syndrome have dreams and aspirations waiting to be fulfilled through the gift of opportunities to participate and to belong”, said Cate Sayers, Founder, and Director of e.motion21

Adding to her thoughts, Mitu Bhowmick, co-producer of the film and the founder of Mind Blowing films, said, ““Raising the Bar” is a joyous celebration of all the wonderful differences that make this world a beautiful happy place. It’s a story of love, hope and human spirit that crosses all borders and cultures and we are very proud to bring it to India.”