Paper Flowers (2026)
Based on a true story, USC graduate Shalin Shah leaves behind the expectations of his Indian-American family and his girlfriend Fiona to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru. But when a persistent cough leads to a devastating diagnosis of synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, Shalin is forced to return home and confront a future he never anticipated. Surrounded by his family, Fiona, and his closest friends, he begins to reconsider what it means to live with purpose when time can no longer be taken for granted. As Shalin’s perspective deepens, his reflections on gratitude, love, and mortality inspire the essay “Thank You, Cancer,” which is published by HuffPost and goes viral with readers around the world. A devastatingly beautiful story of family, resilience, and the lasting impact of one life, Paper Flowers is a reminder to cherish the people we love and the moments that give life meaning. #SunsetsForShalin
Director: Mahesh Pailoor
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Kapil Talwalkar as Shalin Shah |
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Olivia Liang as Fiona Chang |
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Karan Soni as Milan |
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Tom Everett Scott as Dr. Baxter |
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Faran Tahir as Mr. Shah |
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Meera Simhan as Mrs. Shah |
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West Liang as Mr. Chang |
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Jenny Gago as Nurse Natalie |
| Camera | A.J. Kneip | First Assistant Camera |
| Production | Mauricio Arrioja | Line Producer |
| Costume & Make-Up | Taj Ambar | Costume Design |
| Lighting | Eric Alt | Gaffer |
| Directing | Mahesh Pailoor | Director |
| Production | Emily Schweber | Casting |
| Costume & Make-Up | Allie Shehorn | Makeup Department Head |
| Production | Naman Gupta | Associate Producer |
| Directing | Karan Lines | Script Supervisor |
| Production | Asit Vyas | Producer |
| Crew | Aakash Raj | Cinematography |
| Camera | Matteo Martignago | Key Grip |
| Costume & Make-Up | Meg Wilbur | Key Makeup Artist |
| Costume & Make-Up | Masha Lyass | Costume Assistant |
| Directing | Ilyssa Peltz | First Assistant Director |
| Editing | Cary Lin | Editor |
| Costume & Make-Up | Amanda Massi | Costume Design |
| Art | Shoaib Shawl | Art Direction |
| Production | Brandon Miree | Co-Producer |
| Writing | Mary Krell-Oshi | Writer |
| Art | Carlee Wyman | Production Design |
| Writing | Asit Vyas | Story |
| Directing | Chris Apodaca | Second Assistant Director |
| Production | Christina Holleran | Production Coordinator |
