Percept Pictures's digital arm Indian Chronicles paid tribute to the enduring spirit and accomplishments of the deaf community with "Speaking Pad" on the occasion of International Week of the Deaf, which is celebrated across the globe in the last week of September (September 25-30), read a statement.
The over five-minute film is an engaging and poignant real-life narrative of Mumbai-based sketch artist Gulam Hussain who is hearing and speech impaired. The story revolves around a regular day in Hussain's life, and showcases his daily challenges, triumphs, and above all, his optimistic and upbeat attitude to life and the world around him.
Ali Balsania, who has directed the film, says "Speaking Pad" is his way of telling them that they are an integral part of the society.
"We look for excuses to curse life, excuses to not do something, but this guy in the film had a bunch of excuses to choose from, to not do what he really wanted to do. But he chose to do... And not just him, even if you have kept an eye on the current Paralympics (Rio 2016 Paralympics), there is no stopping in what even the differently-abled are achieving," Balsania said.
He added that "differently challenged are one amongst us, we just need to appreciate and make them feel good".
The objective of the film is to create mass awareness of the inequality and ignorance this differently-abled community suffers at the hands of societies across the world, celebrate their resolve and achievements, and highlight the unnoticed rich world of deaf culture.
Produced by Percept Pictures, the short film adds to their repertoire of films like "(aids+b)2" and "Just Begun" -- which received international acclaim for its sensitive portrayal and contemporary approach on the contentious LGBTQ subject matter.
"Speaking Pad" can be viewed on the Percept Pictures YouTube page Indian Chronicles, a channel dedicated to enabling and empowering the youth to express themselves.
Danny Mamik, Chief Operating Officer, Percept Pictures, said: "In an era where negative and gloomy news spreads rapidly and impacts us, we feel it is vital to tell stories that showcase the good and virtuous in the community around us, and help inspire, motivate and enthuse people to come together and do greater good for society."
