Wow.

Pooja Kumar, star of "Hiding Divya," out in theaters today! Photo by Christine Jean Chambers.

If for no other reason, Pooja Kumar is why you should come out to watch Hiding Divya, premiering tomorrow, August 20, in select theaters.

The film had its red carpet premiere in New York City earlier this week. In addition to Kumar, writer and director Rehana Mirza, actress Madhur Jaffrey (Divya), Deep Katdare and producer Rohi Mirza Pandya made appearances.

Writer and director of "Hiding Divya," Rehana Mirza. Photo by Christine Jean Chambers.

In Hiding Divya, filmmaker Mirza tackles the taboo of mental illness in the South Asian American community. Divya Shah (played by Madhur Jaffrey) suffers from bipolar illness, but it’s been denied and covered up by her family for years. Her daughter, Linny (Pooja Kumar), ran away from home as an unwed teen. Now she’s back and Linny’s daughter, 16-year-old Jia (Madelaine Massey), bears the burden of the family’s shameful secret. It’s an important topic that touches most Asian American communities (mental illness is often considered taboo in Asia), and the film provides a rare and realistic glimpse into the lives of three generations of women as they deal with shame, guilt and, ultimately, love.

Actress Madhur Jaffrey and Mirza. Photo by Christine Jean Chambers.

Shot in New York City and New Jersey, Hiding Divya is inspired by true stories and is the debut feature from sister filmmakers Mirza and Rohi Mirza Pandya (producer).

The sister filmmaking team of Rohi Mirza Pandya and Mirza. Photo by Christine Jean Chambers.

Hiding Divya opens in theaters tomorrow night, August 20, in New York, New Jersey, and Fremont, Calif. The film will also be opening in Atlanta, Detroit, and additional cities in the following weeks. Get updates at the official website.

Check out the trailer here:

Pooja Kumar. Photo by Shehab Hossain/imaginoor.com.

Ramona and Beezus

Release Date: July 23rd, 2010

Based off a children’s novel written by Beverly Cleary (who not only was a librarian before quitting to write childrens’ novels, but is also named Beverly Cleary–clearly suited for her profession), this movie follows the life and times of Ramona, a third grader whose wild imagination and unusual energy will undoubtedly cause some sort of mild conflict for her loved ones. Feelings may be hurt! Expect sass!

Her teacher and arch-nemesis, Mrs. Meacham, is played in typically mature fashion (has she ever played a role young?) by Sandra Oh. As a side note, it’s actually possible to emerge from a productivity-killing Youtube session on Oh with a higher level of respect for her, which is more than can be said for many actors, actresses, and people in general.

Joey King plays Ramona while Selena Gomez of Disney Channel fame takes the part of older sister Beezus. If you haven’t heard of them, there’s a good chance you don’t fall into the target demographic for this movie. That’s A-OK. Continue Reading »