A fly on the wall: A poignant journey to the end
A new documentary to premiere at Busan International Film Festival
The Busan International Film Festival is set to host the world premiere of the Indian documentary A Fly on the Wall, directed by Nilesh Maniyar and Shonali Bose. This film, competing in the Wide Angle Documentary category, promises to be a deeply moving exploration of life, death, and the choices we make at the end of our journey. A teaser has already been unveiled, offering a glimpse into this emotional narrative.
Capturing the final days
The documentary follows the final days of Chika Kapadia, who, after being given four months to live, decides to end his life through physician-assisted suicide at Dignitas in Switzerland. The filmmakers, tasked with documenting Kapadia’s countdown to death, capture both his journey and their own emotional responses. This is the third feature film collaboration between Maniyar and Bose presented at Busan, following The Sky Is Pink and Margarita with a Straw.
A dying wish
Bose describes the project’s origins with profound emotion: “This film was not a choice; it was a dying wish that we acted on. Chika, my friend of 25 years, approached Nilesh and me with a deeply personal mission: to capture how peaceful physician-assisted suicide could be, hoping to reduce the fear and alarm surrounding it. He was willing to make something as intimate as his death public because he believed it was crucial to start this conversation. In those turbulent two weeks leading up to his death in Zurich, I was just coping and following Nilesh’s lead where the film was concerned.”
The filmmaker’s perspective
Maniyar adds, “My first reaction was how does one go through with physician-assisted suicide and not have the greed of that extra moment of breath that you could possibly have. But I could see how sure Chika was about not being tied to tubes and wires in his last moment. What began as Chika’s personal quest became a joint mission for all three of us – Chika, Shonali, and myself. And in that came a question of the fact that a filmmaker is a friend too. So, when I asked Shonali to turn the camera towards herself, I knew why, but I didn’t know how it would pan out.”
Sparking conversations
The directors aim to spark conversations about end-of-life choices and dignity in death. Maniyar hopes the film encourages audiences to think deeply about the right to die with dignity. “He believed this option should be available, affordable, and accessible to everyone, not just a privileged few who can travel to places like Switzerland. We want the film to spark conversations that help destigmatize physician-assisted suicide and confront the ethical and human rights implications of denying people control over their end-of-life choices.”
Reflecting on life and death
Bose emphasizes the film’s broader message: “Ultimately, for me, it is also about removing the fear around death and viewing it as a part of life – something that can be peaceful and dignified. We want viewers to reflect on these issues and consider the humanity behind them.”
Watch the teaser
For those eager to get a first look at this poignant documentary, you can watch the teaser here.
Festival details
The Busan International Film Festival takes place from October 2-11, offering a platform for filmmakers from around the world to showcase their work and engage with audiences on a global scale.
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, the premise of A Fly on the Wall resonates deeply. The film’s exploration of such a sensitive and often taboo subject is both courageous and necessary. It challenges us to confront our own beliefs about death and the choices we make at the end of life. The collaboration between Maniyar and Bose, both seasoned filmmakers, promises a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of Kapadia’s final days.
For those who appreciate films that push boundaries and provoke thought, this documentary is a must-watch. It not only tells a personal story but also invites us to engage in a broader conversation about dignity, choice, and the human experience.
In a world where discussions about death are often shrouded in fear and discomfort, A Fly on the Wall offers a refreshing and compassionate perspective. It reminds us that death, like life, can be approached with dignity and peace.
For more information on the films and series mentioned, visit their respective trailers and information pages:
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