Uday Jhunjhunwala is a investor, screenwriter and playwright based in New York City. A MIT graduate his film The Only Real Game is a touching film about baseball in Manipur. He shares some insights into this unusual film.
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I split my time investing and writing/filmmaking. I'm currently trying to get a film and a play about the Middle East produced.
What motivated you to invest in a film project?
I was surprised to hear that baseball was naturally popular in any part of India, particularly in an area that I hadn't heard of. And then when I found out that Manipur had been under martial law since the 1950s, I thought it was a story that had to be told.
What are the major take-aways in this film? Why is this film such a big success?
That despite very different lives and circumstances, we're all the same. We want to experience joy and we want to hope and have our dreams fulfilled. Many things, such as baseball, transcend all boundaries and can bring people together.
You have visited Manipur. What are the three biggest challenges you see with Manipur?
Government corruption, separatist/military violence, lack of economic opportunity,
What do you hope the film can do for the plight of the people of Manipur?
I hope that it makes the people known and heard, that there are these people in a part of democratic India that are oppressed and know one seems to be talking about it. I hope people will become aware and this will force the national and state government to make changes.
Where can people see the film ?
It's playing sporadically in theaters. Best for anyone who is interested in seeing it to check out website.
http://www.onlyrealgamemovie.com We will eventually be on the Internet but not now.
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