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 |
| Directing | Mahesh Pailoor | Director |
| Crew | Aakash Raj | Cinematography |
| Production | Brandon Miree | Co-Producer |
| Production | Christina Holleran | Production Coordinator |
| Camera | Matteo Martignago | Key Grip |
| Costume & Make-Up | Masha Lyass | Costume Assistant |
| Editing | Cary Lin | Editor |
| Camera | A.J. Kneip | First Assistant Camera |
| Production | Mauricio Arrioja | Line Producer |
| Art | Shoaib Shawl | Art Direction |
| Costume & Make-Up | Allie Shehorn | Makeup Department Head |
| Costume & Make-Up | Meg Wilbur | Key Makeup Artist |
| Production | Asit Vyas | Producer |
| Writing | Asit Vyas | Story |
| Production | Naman Gupta | Associate Producer |
| Production | Emily Schweber | Casting |
| Art | Carlee Wyman | Production Design |
| Costume & Make-Up | Amanda Massi | Costume Design |
| Directing | Karan Lines | Script Supervisor |
| Directing | Chris Apodaca | Second Assistant Director |
| Directing | Ilyssa Peltz | First Assistant Director |
| Lighting | Eric Alt | Gaffer |
| Writing | Mary Krell-Oshi | Writer |
| Costume & Make-Up | Taj Ambar | Costume Design |
