''Shwaas'', India's Official Academy Awards Submission for Best Foreign Language Film, Will Touch Your Heart!!!

HOLLYWOOD -- "Shwaas":

--First Time Indian Oscar Contenders, Donate Public Screening Proceeds, on 1/13/05 at Laemmle-Sunset 5, toward Tsunami Relief!!!

--The Most Touching Foreign Film of the Year!!!

--Beyond What the Eyes Can See!

First time producer, Kathi Arts, and director, Sandeep Sawant, of the movie "Shwaas" ("A Breath") (www.shwaasthemovie.com), India's official entry in this year's Academy Awards for "Best Foreign Language Film," have committed all proceeds from their January 13th public screening at the Laemmle Sunset 5 theater at 7:30 p.m. (located at 8000 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood) toward the relief efforts in aiding Indonesia, Thailand, and the rest of the countries affected by the horrific tsunami.

"As an Indian culture, a lot of people have come together to support 'Shwaas', and we feel it is important for us to give back in any way possible, to help assist the many organizations who are helping to rebuild Asia," stated the producer.

While the producer feels it is necessary to help preserve all cultures and to aid those in Indonesia, who were affected the most by the tsunami, it is also reaching out for another important cause, raising awareness of Retino-blastoma, a degenerative eye cancer affecting thousands of children in Third World countries, and the topic of their film.

"Shwaas" has had various screenings across the country. The excitement continues when the film screens at the 16th annual Palm Springs Film Festival, taking place January 6-17th in Palm Springs, Calif. (The specific screening for "Shwaas" at the festival, as well as the "public screening" fundraiser on January 13th, are listed below.)

ABOUT THE FILM:

Written and Directed by Sandeep Sawant, "Shwaas" (which in English translates as "A Breath") is the winner of 32 awards in India. In his directorial debut, Sawant captures and conveys the pure emotion of the film -- less with words and more with images. Able to cross all cultural barriers, he depicts an Indian family coping with illness and vividly illustrates a roller coaster of human emotions that are identifiable to us all.

The story is about a young boy, Parashuram (played by Ashwin Chitale), who is diagnosed with retinoblasty -- a debilitating eye cancer. The young boy's vision is fading, and his Grandfather, Vichare (played by Arun Nalavade), discovers his plight after several visits to the doctor, an oncology surgeon, Dr. Milind Sane (played by Sandeep Kulkarni). The only solution is to remove Parashuram's eyes to stop the spread of the cancer, or else go blind and have it spread throughout his body and lead to death. Vichare is conflicted and faces two unimaginable choices -- losing his grandson or removing his eyes and condemning the boy to blindness. The movie focuses on coping with tragedy and living every moment, every breath, to the fullest.

Sawant said that his main focus was to "tell the story...and aim towards a positive approach about life, that everyone could understand and be sympathetic to." Dr. Sanjay Oak, Chief Oncology Surgeon in Bombay, India, said "'Shwaas' is not only a visual delight but a virtual alarm!"

From the very beginning of the film, with such wonderful music and cinematography (by Sanjay Memane), the storyline unravels, touching the audience's human spirit -- no matter what language. Dr. A. Linn Murphree, Director of Ocular Oncology at the Retinoblastoma Center in Los Angeles said, "'Shwaas' is a breath of fresh air, illustrating family connections and love!"

"Shwaas" is the first film project of production company, Kathi Arts, which comprises several experienced producers, who came together to produce quality films, surrounding various topics. Financial backing and support of Kathi Arts is made possible by various donations, as well as well wishers.

Interviews available January 10-14th with director and cast. For interview opportunities or to see a screening please contact: Wheaton Entertainment, Inc., 1-800-971-8161, [e-mail]

SCREENINGS:
Los Angeles

1/8/05 at 7:30 p.m.
Aidikoff Screening Room
150 S. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

1/10/05 at 10 a.m. & 1/12/05 at 11 a.m.
Palm Springs, Film Festival
Palm Springs
Foreign Film Festival

1/12/05 at 7:30 p.m.
Directors Guild
7920 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood

Public Screening
Proceeds Donated
Toward Tsunami Relief
1/13/05 at 7:30 p.m.
Laemmle Sunset 5
8000 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood