FILMMAKER MAGAZINE | Spring 1997: PRODUCTION UPDATE

PRODUCTION UPDATE

Roshan Seth and Saeed Jaffrey reteam for the first time since My Beautiful Laundrette in The Journey, Harish Saluja's bittersweet comedy of errors about an Indian school teacher's first trip to America to visit his doctor son in Pittsburgh. Used to servants and women who defer to men, Kishan Singh (Seth) is unprepared for his modern American daughter-in-law Laura (My Best Friend's Wedding's Carrie Preston). Cross-cultural dissonance is an ever-present counterpoint in this semi-autobiographical story but Saluja has a message beyond that. "This couple has problems," he says. "Laura says, åLife gets in the way of art' and what I'm trying to say is åLive life passionately.' It's a different way of looking at life and how to handle crises. Go on and find meaning again."

Saluja, 50, grew up in Punjab and was already training as an engineer when he was inspired to switch to filmmaking after seeing a Satyajit Ray film. After completing his education he became a film reviewer and emigrated to New York at 25. Since then, he's made a living as publisher of technical journals; Saluja also paints, writes poetry, and hosts a weekly National Public Radio Indian music program.

Saluja first tried to get The Journey made with independent Hollywood producers; he says that decision cost him money. He changed course in 1994, attending the Sundance Producers' Conference. "That was a turning point," he says. "Fifty people wouldn't talk to me but James Schamus, Lindsay Law and Bingham Ray did. Later, Schamus said, åYou're done talking. Go ahead and make the damn thing.'"

Saluja ultimately financed The Journey with 15 limited partnership investors, adding his own savings for a total he calculates as "seven figures." The 35mm color Journey shot 25 days this fall in and around Pittsburgh, where Saluja lives. All rights are available and the film should be completed in April.

Cast: Roshan Seth, Saeed Jaffrey, Carrie Preston, Antony Zaki, Betsy Zajko, Michael Emerson, Nora Bates. Crew: Producer/Director, Harish Saluja; Screenwriters, Saluja, Lisa Kirk Puchner; Associate Producer, Jane Aseniero Cinematographer, John Rice; Production Manager, Jeffrey Stimmel; Casting, Caroline Sinclair; Editor, Tom Dubensky; Music, Chris Hughes. Contact: Harish Saluja, New Ray Films, P.O. Box 79086, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Tel: (412) 343-6515, Fax: (412) 344-6950.