Multiple Sclerosis is a rare auto-immune disease, which affects the protective layer of the Central Nervous System, creating a drastic impact on quality of life of an individual. In India, there is very few or little to no awareness about this disease.
To commemorate World MS day 2024, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India, an NGO which extends its hand to those affected by Multiple Sclerosis, screened a movie in association with Pepper Watcher Productions called “Calcutta, I’m Sorry” as part of its awareness campaign on 25th May 2024 at Le Magic lantern, Chennai.
The event commenced at around 6:00 pm by honouring the Chief Guest Ms.Shreya.P.Singh, IAS (Executive Director, TN Corporation for Development of Women, State Mission Director, National Urban Livelihoods Mission, Government of Tamil Nadu) and the Director of the film Mr.Harry MacLure in the presence of Mrs.Ann Gonsalvez, Honorary Secretary of MSSI – Chennai Chapter. There were about 140 audiences presented for the film including, Committee members of MSSI, MS persons and their family members, Physiotherapists, Guests, and reporters.
Ms.Shreya.P.Singh shared her experiences of dealing with few cases of persons with MS, during her tenure as a Collector and Additional Collector. Also, when she worked as a District Collector for Namakkal, they started a program called “Sparsham” to cater to the needs of those differently-abled persons by empowering them to become an independent person in their lives.
The film revolves around a young lady named Amanda Wright who is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After being diagnosed with MS, thinking that it would be life-threatening, she chose to follow her passion and live her dream (i.e) to meet her estranged daughter and granddaughter by travelling in her trusty bicycle from Coonoor to Calcutta in order to make amends and also give her granddaughter a huge hug.
This much-acclaimed film is a lesson – learning process as to how one has to face and overcome challenges in the journey of one’s life!
Finally, the event ended with a motivational speech of Mrs.Ann Gonsalvez at around 9 pm.
CREDITS – Mr.Harry MacLure for Script writing and directing,
Mrs.Tara Rao, for sharing her challenging story of MS for the film.
CAST – Priscilla Corner as Amanda, Gillian Pinto as Daughter Sabrina & Gillian Williamson as Granddaughter Calcutta, Music & Sound Design by Ganesh Ramanna, Cinematography & Editing by Nicholas Moses.
