2026 / 57' / Gujarati, Hindi / India
✦ The World & The Self
Saira and David are names rarely spoken now. To most, they are simply my parents, Devendrakumar and Sadhnaben. Their earlier names surface only in fragments before slipping away again. After their interfaith marriage, they built a life through shared labour and small acts of endurance. As my elder brother approaches marriage, I return to their past, listening for what remains.
In a society that defines love through marriage, I find myself questioning the space love occupies. Through this film, I follow their love story, shaped by faith, caste, and the quiet negotiations of everyday life.
Director(s) : Uttkarsh Parmar
Producer(s) : Aparna Sanyal, Rajiv Mehrotra
Cinematographer(s) : Uttkarsh Parmar
Writer(s) : Uttkarsh Parmar
Editor(s) : Uttkarsh Parmar
Cast : Saira, David, Krutika, Chinmay
Sound : Dev Sarkar
Uttkarsh Parmar is an Ahmedabad-based director and editor whose practice spans fiction and non-fiction storytelling. He began his creative journey in theatre during his college years, training under Rajoo Barot of the Ahmedabad Theatre Group (ATG). He transitioned into filmmaking as a production manager before working as an assistant director on notable Gujarati films such as Chhello Divas and Karsandas Pay & Use.
After nearly a decade in fiction, Parmar shifted his focus to non-fiction, exploring stories that are often overlooked by mainstream narratives. His work is rooted in sensitivity to lived experiences and a commitment to underrepresented voices. A plant enthusiast, he draws inspiration from nature, which subtly informs his visual and narrative perspective. His recent work as editor on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Now and Then was screened at DIFF 2024 and is currently streaming on MUBI India.
