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Shri Thanedar-backed Marathi film premieres at NAFA festival
The film explores the human impact of immigration enforcement, following a family facing deportation and the challenges of identity, dignity and belonging.
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Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 14, Aug 2026
- 18:50 EDT
- 133
Film's poster / Instagram/ @northamericanfilmassociation
A Marathi short film co-produced by U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar premiered Aug. 9 at the NAFA Film Festival in San Jose, California.
Undocumented.PDF, a 28-minute Marathi-language film with English subtitles, follows a family facing deportation and explores themes of identity, belonging, dignity and hope.
The film was screened on the final day of the three-day NAFA Film Festival, which ran Aug. 7-9 in San Jose. The festival featured Marathi films and shorts, along with workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions and other programming.
Written by California-based author Amruta Hardikar and directed by Houston-based filmmaker Harsh Mahadeshwar, the film examines the experiences of immigrants and their families beyond the legal paperwork that determines their status.
The story was inspired in part by the experience of a Detroit constituent who was deported shortly before completing high school after an asylum application was denied. That experience helped shape the film's focus on the impact immigration decisions can have on families and young people.
Mahadeshwar, who came to the United States from Mumbai as a student in 2008, directed the film from Hardikar's screenplay and research. More than 60 actors participated in the production, according to information released about the film. Some actors portraying Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were retired police officers.
Thanedar's involvement with NAFA follows his public support for the organization and its efforts to promote Marathi cinema in North America.
In 2025, Thanedar rose on the House floor to recognize NAFA for its contributions to promoting Marathi cinema and culture across North America. He described the organization as helping preserve Maharashtra's cultural heritage, bridge cultural boundaries and create a more diverse arts and culture space.
Thanedar, a Michigan Democrat and the first Marathi-speaking member of Congress, has also made immigration enforcement a focus of his congressional work. In January, he introduced the Abolish ICE Act, legislation that would dismantle U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and end its current enforcement authority.
In June, Thanedar welcomed the abandonment of plans for an ICE detention center in Romulus, Michigan, after opposing the proposed facility.
Abhijit “Abhi” Gholap, co-producer of the film and founder and president of NAFA, said the project was intended to present immigration through the personal experiences of those affected by it.
“Undocumented.PDF is not merely a film about immigration—it is a story about identity, belonging, dignity, and hope,” Gholap said.
“Immigration is no longer just a political or legal issue; it is a deeply human story that affects millions of families around the world,” he added.
Founded by Gholap, NAFA is a nonprofit organization that supports independent and culturally significant filmmaking in the United States and Canada through initiatives including film festivals, masterclasses and fiscal sponsorships.
The project was coordinated on behalf of NAFA by Executive Committee Member Bhalchandra Kulkarni. California-based Amol Thite and Govind Unkalkar served as co-producers.
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