Mumbai, Jan 5 (PTI) Filmmaker Mozez Singh says he was elated when Hollywood star Will Smith saw rushes of his directorial debut "Zubaan" and praised it.
The film, which features "Masaan" star Vicky Kaushal and actress Sarah Jane Dias, had its North American premiere on January 3 at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) in California.
"It was a huge honour to have this film screened at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, especially since it has long been associated with the Oscars. It was amazing to meet Will Smith there and show him the promo.
"He loved it and wished us all the luck, a great beginning to what has been an amazing journey this far," Mozez said in a statement.
"Zubaan", produced by Wave Cinema, Guneet Monga and Shaan Vyas, opened the Busan International Film Festival last year with Mozez bagging the Rising Director award.
Monga said she had known Mozez for nearly seven years and when she heard the story of "Zubaan" she realised he had grown as a person.
"Like his movie protagonist, Mozez had to deal with a stammering problem as a child. Now, watching him deliver acceptance speeches in front of large, international audiences is commendable."
"Zubaan" is a coming-of-age story of a young man who has a fear of music and is set between Punjab and Delhi.
