My Journey with Sumi is a short documentary that follows the experiences of a loving husband, Mr. Mehta, as he looks after his wife, Sumi, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. There is a lot to say about this film, the first of which is that it is as heartbreaking as beautiful.
Alzheimer’s and dementia are not subjects easy to explore, yet, through the works and words of Mr. Mehta, this piece has found a unique way to make it accessible to its audience by finding the beauty in the pain. By this, we don’t mean that the documentary romances this disease. Not at all.
It actually provides a very honest explanation of how it happens and what it means while illustrating how many people around the world suffer from it and pointing out that there is no cure for it – all of which create a gigantic concern for its viewers.
However, the film also provides a beautiful philosophy that comes from Mr. Mehta’s experiences – that of embracing the fact that some things are just beyond our control and that all we can do is commit to what it really means to love someone. To be there not just when things are easy, but to go through the pain and the difficulties as well, and to find the beauty that lies in helping the one you love in such a complex moment. Yes, it can be heartbreaking seeing the person you love the most losing the essence of who they used to be, but it’s also the moment when they might need you more than ever, even if they don’t quite realize it, and so you must be there for all the beauty and light this person provided you and that can still bring if you manage to find the right way to look at this side of life. So, it’s a film that puts things in perspective and that invites the viewer to realize that all those big ambitions such as work or status are not as meaningful as love and family, and what might capture this idea the better is the moment when Mr. Mehta’s reflections lead him to see his wife as his God and worship. He does the same practices and rituals day after day, hoping to please her and cherishing whatever she can give him in return… and that might be one of the loveliest love commitments we have seen in a documentary. Production-wise, the documentary might feel a bit limited, but it doesn’t matter. The footage of Mr. Mehta and Sumi is powerful enough to make us feel their love (and, at times, their struggles), while the narration helps to increase the emotion and heart of the film. In conclusion, this is a surprisingly uplifting film that, while dealing with a very complex subject, invites its viewer to live by the day and appreciate life with everything it brings along… and that’s a rare film to find these days.
Director’s Biography:
I am Junaid Imam, a creative writer and director from Pune, India. My journey in the realm of storytelling commenced in 2006. Over more than 15 years, I have woven narratives as a writer and director for various television series. Gradually, my passion led me to craft independent short festival films and documentaries, marking a new phase in my creative odyssey. My work has garnered recognition and awards at esteemed international film festivals in locations such as Barcelona (Spain), Albania (Europe), the USA, and West Africa. I am honoured to have served as an official jury member at the American Youth Film Festival 2019, and Previously, with the Berlin Cinefest Film Festival in Germany. Here is an insight into my prolific filmography:
“Mano Ya Na Mano” – Television show for Star One channel (Director) – 2006
“Rise and Rise of Shah Rukh Khan” – Television show for Zoom channel (Writer & Director) – 2007
“Monuments of India” – Television show for ICC HD channel (Writer & Director) – 2017
Berlin International Cinefest Film Festival – Official Jury Member – 2016
“Bollywood Biographies” – Produced for FG Production House (Writer)
“Melawa – The Festival of Marriages” – Short film, recipient of 32 national and international awards (Writer, Director & Producer) – 2013
“Ekulta Ek Raja – The Only King” a short film, earned 4 awards in national and international festivals (Writer, Director & Producer)
“Fagwa – The Colour of Soul” – Documentary recognized at Amravati University for its contribution to environmental development – 2018
My artistic journey has been defined by dedication, exploration, and a relentless pursuit of storytelling excellence. Through my work, I strive to touch hearts, ignite minds, and bridge cultures, making a lasting impact in cinema.
