The Journey Behind the Film

The idea for A Life Inside Me first came to writer-director Jackie R. Bala in 2017, and the story stayed with him for years. Despite his dedication, the project faced repeated delays as funding proved nearly impossible to secure. Once the film was labeled “LGBTQ+,” external support disappeared altogether. What began with $10,000 in hand and a modest plan to finish under $25,000 stretched into three years, three shooting schedules, and more than $90,000 in self-financed costs.

Production officially began in October 2022, though the camera didn’t roll until the eighth day, delayed by weather and logistical setbacks. From the start, it was a true independent effort: families cooked meals for the crew, friends stepped in as spot boys and runners, and the director filled whatever role was needed to keep the film alive.

Producer Ajitesh Gupta not only managed departments and day-to-day logistics but also emptied his own pockets, borrowed money, and took loans to keep the project alive. His commitment went far beyond a producer’s role — he became the backbone of the production, ensuring the film moved forward when everything else threatened to stop.

Sonali Sharmishta, who embodies Meera on screen, proved equally vital behind the camera, holding the team together through sheer will. Inayat Qazi, a theater artist and teacher making his feature debut, reshaped himself physically and emotionally to inhabit his role with truth. In the final schedule, Mahi Kumar joined production, taking charge of post-production and marketing, shaping much of what audiences and festivals now see today.

Post-production was no less challenging. With little money left, the team edited, designed, and marketed the film themselves. Jackie’s vision remained intact, but it was persistence, not resources, that carried the film forward. We didn’t have the time or resources to provide the level of post-production the story truly deserved — and yet, it is already moving audiences and earning recognition worldwide.

The film premiered at Out & Loud PIQFF, where it won both Best of Festival and Best Indian Feature Film. It has since been officially selected at KASHISH Mumbai Pride Film Festival, Cine Pride Film Festival (Los Angeles), International Film Festival of Shimla (IFFS), and the Black Bear Film Festival (Pennsylvania, USA), and was honored as a Semi-Finalist at the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF).

Shot across three years and three schedules, A Life Inside Me is not the film the team first imagined — but its journey became something truer. A story forged by resilience, community, and belief in the power of storytelling. It carries a story as beautiful behind the camera as the one it tells on screen.

Thank you — to our cast, crew, families, friends, and to the film festivals who embraced this story as their own, even in its first cut. Your support has given it unwavering recognition and helped it strike a powerful chord with audiences worldwide.

🎬 We are grateful for all the love and recognition — truly honored! 🙏

✍️ Mahi Kumar