Edison, NJ – On June 22nd Film enthusiasts and climate activists gathered at the ITV Gold Auditorium for the private screening of the dystopian drama “The Highs and Lows of Barefoot Pleasure,” a thought-provoking short film set in a future ravaged by climate change. Directed by Nidhi Kathuria and written by Taria Karillion and David Harten Watson, who also produced the film, the movie offers a poignant glimpse into a world where natural resources are scarce, and survival is a daily struggle.
Event Highlights: The private screening was organized by Sara Jahan Films with media partners Namaskar America and ITV Gold. The event was well-attended by the cast and crew, including Nidhi Kathuria, Anil Sachdeva, John O’Reilly, Victor Garofalo, Steven Massey, Corina Harten, Sara Kathuria, Gavin Spielman, Eleana Garofalo, David A. Harten, and Janelle Gonzalez. The evening featured a networking hour followed by the screening and a Q&A session moderated by Alexander Francisco Matos.
Film Synopsis: Set in a dystopian future tormented by climate change, “The Highs and Lows of Barefoot Pleasure” follows Felicia and her friends as they navigate a bureaucratic system for a rare day of enjoyment. Their fates are intertwined by conscription and environmental turmoil, as they strive to seize fleeting moments of happiness while grappling with the harsh realities of their world. The lead, Felicia, played by Sara Kathuria, was applauded for her compelling performance. Special mention was given to the effective cinematography by Sachin Ravindran. Shot at Sandy Hook, the film’s realistic backdrop and distinctive dystopian props and designs stood out, adding depth to the narrative.
Relevance to Current Climate Crisis: The film’s narrative resonates deeply with the current state of our planet. Every day, news headlines report on the devastating impacts of climate change. Heatwaves, like the one that tragically claimed the lives of over a thousand pilgrims in Mecca, and extreme temperatures across all hemispheres, are becoming alarmingly common. The Earth, once a nurturing haven, now suffers from relentless exploitation and deforestation, teetering on the brink of irreparable damage.
The film’s depiction of water being so precious it is used as currency is a chilling reflection of potential future realities. As we witness the degradation of our environment, the relevance of such dystopian narratives becomes increasingly apparent. They serve as stark warnings, urging us to change our ways before it’s too late.
Conclusion: “The Highs and Lows of Barefoot Pleasure” is more than just a well-directed film; it is a mirror to our present and a harbinger of a possible future. It calls for urgent action and greater awareness about climate change. The screening, attended by a passionate group of filmmakers and activists, highlighted the importance of storytelling in driving social change. The screening event left attendees with a sense of urgency and a call to action, reminding us all that the time to protect our Earth is now.
