The Lullaby is a visually poetic short film set in 1990s London, based on a true story. It follows Kamani, a single mother, as she shares the exciting news with her 7-yr old disabled daughter about the primary school she has chosen for her. But Kamani’s hopes are shattered when a letter arrives from the local authority stating that none of the primary schools will admit Neelam. Kamani’s parents visit but withdraw their support and return back to India. Devastated but determined, Kamani reflects on her life and sings a lullaby of hope, promising to stand by her daughter no matter what the obstacles.
The film blends a lyrical visual style, rich in symbolism and magical realism. It invites audiences to challenge their assumptions about disability and celebrate the power of the human spirit to soar above life’s limitations. The film is based on a true story of Preethi Manuel and her daughter Zahrah who was born with cerebral palsy.
Preethi Manuel, the writer of this short film, began her journey in 1987 when her daughter Zahrah was born. She was told by medical professionals to get on with her life and leave her baby daughter in hospital. But Preethi learnt the specialist care needed and brought Zahrah home to help her live a full life. In a 2009 interview with The Guardian, she shared the difficulties of life as a single parent with meagre social support. Preethi became active in the disability movement and Zahrah was one of the case studies which led to new rights for disabled students in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
The film honours Preethi’s daughter Zahrah’s legacy and advocates for a future where all children, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.
To bring The Lullaby to life, our team has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the production of this important film. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our initial backers, we’ve made great progress and raised a portion of the funds required. However, we still need your help to reach our goal. We’ve created exciting perks for our backers, including the chance to stay in a beautiful holiday home in Spain for 60% off or even become an associate producer for the film.
How You Can Help:
● Donate: Your support will ensure that this story reaches a wider audience and raises awareness about the rights of disabled children: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-lullaby#/
● Share: Spread the word by sharing the campaign on social media or within your community: Website: https://thelullabyfilm24.wixsite.com/film Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_lullaby_film/?igsh=MTZuenFsOG16cDExNw%3D%3D
The Team behind “The Lullaby”
Ashnaa Sasikaran – Kamini (Lead Actress)
Ashnaa Sasikaran plays Kamini, the mother at the heart of The Lullaby. Trained as an Indian classical musician, Ashnaa brings a unique depth to her performance, embodying Kamini’s inner strength, vulnerability, and the fierce love she has for her daughter.
Preethi Manuel – Writer
Preethi Manuel is the writer and producer of The Lullaby, drawing on her own lived experience to craft a story that reflects the realities faced by families of disabled children. After relocating from London to Leeds, Preethi pursued an MA in Filmmaking from the Northern Film School. Her commitment to disability advocacy deepened following the birth of her daughter, Zahrah, and she has been a tireless campaigner for the rights of disabled children to attend mainstream schools. In 2023, she was selected for the inaugural Kay Mellor Screenwriters’ Lab in Hebden Bridge, furthering her dedication to storytelling and social change.
Mariam Majid – Director
Mariam Majid is a visual artist and director known for her innovative work in film and theatre. She has won multiple awards for her short film A Night with Noorjehan, including recognition at the BAFTA-qualifying Leeds International Film Festival. Mariam’s unique approach to storytelling will bring The Lullaby to life with a combination of visual poetry, symbolism, and magical realism.
Suman Hanif – Producer
Suman Hanif is an award-winning Writer-Producer and the visionary behind Pageful Productions. Her work challenges societal taboos through her storytelling. A pivotal moment in her career came with the acquisition of her short film “True Colours,” supported by the BFI NETWORK. Under Suman’s leadership, Pageful Productions has embarked on a series of groundbreaking projects. Notably, ‘A Happy Ending’ secured joint funding from Channel 4 and Bradford Council, showcasing the company’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Her debut feature film, ‘Tell Me About It,’ has just been acquired for world-wide distribution in 2024.
