By Mikie Schofield

A practising barrister and Sheffield Hallam University graduate has had his first documentary chosen for showcasing at over 100 festivals around the world.

Haresh Sood’s film My Niece’s Big Fat Delhi Wedding has been selected to be shown at festivals including New York, Paris and London.

The trailer, which has captivated social media audiences with its vibrancy and feel-good factor, won the Best Trailer category at Barcelona and Turkey film festivals.

Inspired by the hit film Monsoon Wedding, the documentary demonstrates all the ‘C’ words of an Indian wedding – the ‘charisma, the ‘chaos’, the ‘crying’, the ‘colour’, and its ceremonies like ‘choora’ and ‘caleeray’, and finally the comedy.

Sood, from Nottingham, said: “Film was one world I always had a passion to explore from childhood. Going to film school over the last two years has been the most amazing and incredible experience.

“I have to say a special thanks to my course director, film producer Colin Pons and filmmaker/tutor Saskia Wilson who encouraged me to pursue my dream. I must thank Will Cocker in particular, who is the finest editor.”

Filmed over ten days, Sood gives an insight into the rich high-end lifestyle of Delhi, following his niece, MBA graduate and winner of best actress, Nitasha Kohli-Arora and her wedding to architect Mayank Arora.

Sood was awarded a distinction on the MA Filmmaking course at SHU.

Course leader Colin Pons said: “Haresh Sood has created that rare thing, a documentary that is both informative and hilariously funny.

“He is a real talent to look out for in the future.”

Sood is all set to release his first multi-award-winning feature documentary at Diwali on November 4 onwards, online on Paus. tv, with a world premiere screening for cast and crew in Nottingham at the Arc Cinema.

Filmmaking isn’t the only discipline Sood has excelled in. He is also a practising barrister with a background in journalism, acting and media and has received recognition such as Tomorrow’s Lawyer Award 2001 and is also a former judge of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Awards for Unsung Heroes 2004.

The film supports the Little Princesses Trust to which Sood often donates his hair for children who go through chemotherapy. Sood is a contributor to Millside Hospital radio in Notts, which is also supporting the film.

See the trailer here:

Film website: www.myniecesbigfatdelhiwedding.com