Paper Flowers

Description

The story takes place in Peru, where Shalin Shah, a USC graduate, decides to leave behind the expectations of his Indian-American family and his girlfriend Fiona to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer. His experience is dramatically altered when a persistent cough leads to a diagnosis of synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. This diagnosis forces him to return home, where he confronts a new reality filled with uncertainty and reflection. Surrounded by family, Fiona, and close friends, Shalin begins to reassess what it means to live with purpose when time is limited. His journey culminates in the creation of the essay “Thank You, Cancer,” which gains widespread attention after being published by HuffPost. The film features a cast that includes Kapil Talwalkar, Olivia Liang, Karan Soni, and Tom Everett Scott. Paper Flowers is set in the context of Shalin’s personal struggles and growth, illustrating the importance of love and connection during challenging times.