Jimmy Goldblum and Adam Weber spent three years in India observing and documenting the world of Puran Bhat. Then, they returned the favor and brought him to America.
The co-directors’ documentary, “Tomorrow We Disappear,” premiered to strong reviews at the Tribeca Film Festival, with audiences captured by the story of a small artist’s colony hidden away in New Delhi that is facing extinction thanks to the city’s rapid development. Bhat, who is a puppeteer of incredible talent, was flown all the way to New York for the curtain raise on the film.
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As the directors explained for TheWrap, it became a very emotional experience.
“The Tribeca Film Festival was kind and generous enough to fly the main character of ‘Tomorrow We Disappear,’ Puran Bhat, out for the festival,” the filmmakers said. “A world-renowned puppeteer, who’s traveled to over 25 countries, Puran has never quite been at the center of attention like he was at TFF. To escape from the spectacle a bit, we took him on a trip to the Statue of Liberty. Overcome by the craftsmanship and the symbolism of the statue, Puran decided to sing it a song of love and appreciation, Manna Dey’s ‘Tu Pyaar Ka Sagar Hai’ from the film ‘Seema.’”