Mahek

MAHEK is the imaginative lead character in this gem of a children's film from India. She's 12 years old and given to flights of fancy whenever real life lets her down, which is unfortunately pretty often. Mahek dreams of great things: being India's first woman president, saving her friend from drowning, delivering a stunning lead performance in the school play. When the lovely daydream ends and she's jarred back to reality — usually by an elbow-jab from a well-meaning friend — there she is again, back to being Mahek the not-so-great, accused of not paying attention and not realizing her potential. Discouraged and longing to find out who she really is, Mahek bumps into a sympathetic lady in the supermarket who seems to be her good fairy; not only that, she's wearing a really cool sari. Is Mahek dreaming again, or is this her new reality? Director K. Kanade writes, “Produced by the Children's Film Society of India, MAHEK looks at the world through the imaginative eyes of children and examines their rights. What children miss most is respect. Respect for them and respect for their imagination… I've tried to speak about that in this film.” (In Hindi and English with English subtitles) – BB