The film is produced under Bollywood Hollywood Production and producers Prashant Shah and Jaswant Singh, and associate producer Shabbir Boxwala. Jungle Cry’s original soundtrack and music will be distributed worldwide by Sony Music. The movie is scheduled to be screened at Tokyo, Japan Rugby World Cup 2019 and will be released this summer in India.
Global leader in the sporting goods industry Adidas has partnered with the much-awaited sports biopic Jungle Cry that recently completed filming in India and Wales. ‘Jungle Cry’ unveiled its official trailer and poster at special events during the 72nd Festival de Cannes.
In an interview with actress Emily Shah in Cannes, here is what she had to say:
Emily, you went from ballet to acting. Did you always know you want to act?
Yes, I always knew that acting was going to be my career choice. I worked in other aspects of production throughout high school and college and I knew that wasn’t for me.
Emily, being Indian actress in USA, did you always want to make films internationally as well?
Doing international films is who I am. I come from a mixed background with families from two different cultures and I grew up embracing an international lifestyle. It’s quite relatable for me to manage international content. I hope I can continue to be a part of that creation.
Can you tell us what you love about the film and why you knew you had to make it?
I’ve never worked on a true story before and I thoroughly enjoyed this journey. Everyone loves a feel good film, but working on this film was truly rewarding. I got to work with children from the area where the original boys are from. Their story never got recognized so it’s an honor to bring it back to life.
The film being about the social crises in India, is there a way forward for India economically and class wise?
Education is always the answer. Jungle Cry’s message is to eradicate poverty through promoting education and sports.
Were there any anecdotes while filming you would like to share?
Right before our UK shoot, our kids were denied visa by the UK Consulate in India due to their socio-economic background. With help with the producer and First Minister of Wales the decision was turned over within 24hrs and we were cleared to shoot.
What is it like to be in Cannes for the unveiling of your film and when/when can audiences see the film?
It’s a dream for any actor to be at Cannes, let alone having their film highlighted here. I used to work at the American Pavilion when I was 15. Coming back for a film that I am a part of is so much more rewarding than I can explain. The film is expected to release this summer.
What are your hopes with the message the film will give to audiences?
I hope that any child, from any background can watch this and understand that where they come from does not define them or their future. I hope they can see the opportunities that they can create for themselves despite the adversity they may face culturally or personally.
What will you be working on next?
I’m currently in the development stage of a female driven action feature as well as another true story based on a royal family.
Abhay Deol and Emily Shah in 'Jungle Cry' (2019)
Interview by Vanessa McMahon
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