Peh-chaan (n.) : Identity, a Documentary

Abstract

This project is based on Pushpa Duncklee. It tells her story through film, pictures, and sound in the format of documentary film. Pushpa was born in India in the 1960s, she was sexually abused, lived in poverty, and then was sent to boarding school. After several years at boarding school, she was sent away in a taxi and flown to the United States. Her mother was told she was dead and Pushpa was raised by an American family in Oregon. The film will relive her story starting with her first memories in India, growing up with an American family, and when she went back to India for the first time many years later. This is when she first found out she was taken from her mother and not put up for adoption. Once reconnected with her family in India her adoptive mother passed away, as well as her biological father. To tell the story better, we will travel to India to see her biological family. This project is meant to tell a story which will evoke emotion, teach people about international adoption, the importance of family, and spread awareness. People will learn about the specific problems that adoptees face as well as India and the culture of its people. This project has several components including interviews with many people. Pushpa will narrate her story while others help piece everything together including her nieces, husband, ex-husband, daughter, friend, therapist, biological mother, adoptive mother, adoptive father, adoption specialists, and sister.