Indian American Mukesh Modi-Directed/Produced Film ‘The Elevator’ Wins Big at Standalone Film Fest

“The Elevator,” a film written/produced/co-directed by Indian American filmmaker Mukesh Modi (fourth from right, back row) and starring Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts (back, center), won three awards at the Standalone Film Festival. Several stars and community members came out in support at the film’s premiere Aug. 7 in Hollywood, Calif. (photo provided)

India-West Staff Reporter

“The Elevator,” a new film written and produced by Indian American filmmaker Mukesh Modi and starring Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts, made quite an impact, alongside several Indian talents, at the recently concluded Standalone Film Festival in Hollywood, Calif.

The film, directed by Modi and Jack Cook and showing the unpredictability of life, won three honors at the event, which was held Aug. 12 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Calif.

Modi and Cook received the Best Director award, while the Best Actor in a Feature Film award went to Roberts. As a producer, Modi also won the Best Film award in the feature film category.

The drama, based on true events, brings to life the story of a family that searches for answers after Roman Juniper (Roberts), a husband and father of three, doesn’t return from work on his daughter’s birthday.

Prior to “The Elevator,” Modi also directed and wrote the documentary called “The Vision” to inspire a sense of community.

The indie film festival also recognized the talent of several Indian actors and filmmakers.

Avinash Dwivedi won the Best Actor award for his role in “Rickshawala,” while the Unprecedented Actress in Indian Cinema award went to Isha Chhabra for “Mastram.”

In the mini films category, director Sourabh Lakshkar won the Best Director award for “An Indian Girl.”

Director Nakul Dev’s “Before I Die” was awarded the Best Film award in the documentary category.

Actress Lilette Dubey received the Best Actress in an LGBTQ Film award for her role in “Seasons Greetings: A Tribute to Rituparno Ghosh.”

The Experimental Film Award: Best Film went to Bhushan Patil-directed “Male-Female.”

Manish Uppal won the Best Director in a Lockdown Film award for “Close to Jah.”