Watch Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights is a heart-warming drama directed by Shundell Prasad, which follows the story of a young Indian-American woman named Reshma (Melinda Shankar) and her quest to reconnect with her past and her culture. Reshma is a struggling artist in New York City who is unable to find her place in the world. She is haunted by her troubled childhood, spent as a young girl living in Guyana with her mother, a single parent struggling to make ends meet. Reshma’s father had left them years before, leaving them to fend for themselves. As a result, Reshma was forced to grow up quickly, losing touch with her Indian roots and culture in the process.

Festival of Lights begins with Reshma receiving a letter in the mail from an estranged aunt, inviting her to come to Guyana to attend the Hindu festival of Diwali. Reshma jumps at the chance to reconnect with her roots and explore her cultural heritage, despite her mother’s disapproval.

Upon arriving in Guyana, Reshma finds herself overwhelmed by her memories of the place, and the stark differences between her life in New York City and the humble village that her mother grew up in. She slowly begins to rebuild relationships with her relatives, including her aunt and her grandmother, who tells Reshma stories of the past and her ancestors.

As Reshma becomes more in tune with her heritage, she finds herself drawn to a young man named Dev (Jimi Mistry), who is skilled in the art of storytelling and in the process of restoring an old temple in the village. Dev helps Reshma to discover the beauty of her culture, and teaches her about the importance of tradition and community.

However, Reshma’s happiness is short-lived as she discovers secrets from her family’s past that threaten to tear them apart. She learns about her mother’s tumultuous relationship with her father, and the hardships they faced as immigrants in America. As Reshma struggles to come to terms with her family’s history, she must also confront her own fears and insecurities.

The movie features several strong performances, particularly Melinda Shankar as Reshma, who skillfully portrays the character’s growing sense of connection and conflict as she delves deeper into her past. Jimi Mistry also shines as Dev, bringing a lightness and humor to the film, while Aidan Quinn brings gravitas to his role as Reshma’s father.

Festival of Lights is a moving and poignant film that explores the themes of identity, family, and heritage. It beautifully captures the vibrancy and spirit of the Indian culture, and the importance of staying connected to one’s roots. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling, and the transformative effect it can have on those who listen. Overall, Festival of Lights is a must-watch for anyone interested in the Indian-American experience, or anyone looking for a heart-warming and moving drama.