Paper Flowers (2024)
100 min
Based on a true story, USC graduate Shalin Shah leaves behind the expectations of his Indian-American family and his girlfriend Fiona to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru. But when a persistent cough leads to a devastating diagnosis of synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, Shalin is forced to return home and confront a future he never anticipated. Surrounded by his family, Fiona, and his closest friends, he begins to reconsider what it means to live with purpose when time can no longer be taken for granted. As Shalin’s perspective deepens, his reflections on gratitude, love, and mortality inspire the essay “Thank You, Cancer,” which is published by HuffPost and goes viral with readers around the world. A devastatingly beautiful story of family, resilience, and the lasting impact of one life, Paper Flowers is a reminder to cherish the people we love and the moments that give life meaning. #SunsetsForShalin
- Release date
- August 21, 2026
- Country of origin
- United States
Trailer
Cast
- Kapil Talwalkar as Shalin Shah
- Olivia Liang as Fiona Chang
- Karan Soni as Milan Mehta
- Tom Everett Scott as Dr. Baxter
- Faran Tahir as Jay Shah
- Meera Simhan as Reema Shah
- West Liang as Mr. Chang
- Jeremy Culhane as Dave
- Jenny Gago as Nurse Natalie
- Luciana Elisa Quinonez as Carlita
Crew
- Mahesh Pailoor · Director
- Mary Krell-Oishi · Writer
- Mahesh Pailoor · Writer
- Asit Vyas · Writer
- Asit Vyas · Producer
- Kristin Øhrn Dyrud · Composer
- Aakash Raj · Cinematographer
- Cary Lin · Editor
- Emily Schweber · Casting director
- Carlee Wyman · Production designer