Where are you really from?
Synopsis: An ambitious first-generation Indian managing director at a major London bank loses his British accent in a stroke.
Director Statement
This story is inspired by my lived experience as a first generation immigrant moving from India at the age of 12. I have had to mould myself several times to adapt. This has meant abandoning bits of my Indian identity and taking on British values and appearances. More recently, I find myself lost at how out of touch I have become with my roots - especially not thinking in my mother tongue so much anymore.
Immigration is at an all-time high, especially for people seeking refuge from prosecution. This brings inevitable change in identity for the people involved. This film explores accents as identity and hopes to give some resolve to the audience experiencing it. Through films like these, it is important that we promote a world of tolerance and acceptance of our differences. I am inspired by realistic comedy. This is something common to both Indian and British cinema, showing the struggle of the small man. I hope to keep this cross-cultural interaction with awkward comedy and using silent pauses effectively.
Director Biography - Keshav Shree
Driven by social commentary and subtle behaviours that humans display when put in uncomfortable situations, all my scripts and short films start important conversations that are often considered taboo. The last short 'Happy Retirement Mr Pickering,' is a dark comedy that tells a story about a man coming-out to his wife in retirement. The next short 'Where are you really from?' is an awkward comedy exploring accentism.
In addition to directing, working as a doctor in the highly-pressurised environment of A&E has equipped me with transferrable skills such as strong time management and interpersonal communication skills.