Shadow Hill: Of Spirits And Men - A Darkly Humorous Drama Set in Goa
Shadow Hill: Of Spirits And Men is a darkly humorous drama set in Goa, focusing on a mysterious treasure hunt and a love triangle. Directed by Bosco Bhandarkar, the project is the debut title from Kindling Pictures, led by Kiran Rao. The film explores the pressures and changes faced by Goa due to development, while following a man searching for his daughter's remains under a landslide. The story intertwines the lives of two male protagonists, an old sailor, and a young grave digger, with that of a woman bar owner who provides cryptic clues. The film will be shot in Konkani, incorporating legends and ghost stories from the local culture.
The script for Shadow Hill is being finalized by Gautam Pemmaraju, with casting for the male leads scheduled for next year. The production budget is set at $500,000, with a quarter already secured. The team is seeking additional financing, co-producers, and a sales agent at Waves Film Bazaar. The film will be shot on film, using a mix of black-and-white and color media, creating an arthouse aesthetic. Kiran Rao's establishment of Kindling Pictures allows her to retain control of her film projects and explore community outreach initiatives. Shadow Hill: Of Spirits And Men is expected to be the first of many films under this new production label.
Kiran Rao is excited about the visual quality that director Bosco Bhandarkar will bring to the project. She sees the film as an atmospheric exploration of issues she is passionate about, presented through the lens of a whimsical treasure hunt. Rao's personal connection to Goa and her knowledge of Konkani language add depth to her involvement in the project. Shadow Hill promises to be an ambitious and daring film that captures the essence of Goa's unique culture and challenges.