Preethi became an advocate for disability rights.
A powerful new short film, The Lullaby, is set to bring an emotional and visually poetic story to life, depicting the struggles of a single mother in 1990s London.
Inspired by true events, the film explores themes of love, resilience, and the fight for inclusivity in the education system.
At the heart of The Lullaby is Kamani, a devoted mother who shares exciting news with her seven-year-old disabled daughter, Neelam, about a primary school she has chosen for her.
However, her hopes are crushed when a letter from the local authority states that no school will accept Neelam.
To make matters worse, Kamani’s parents, instead of offering support, return to India.
Despite this heartbreak, Kamani refuses to give up, singing a lullaby of hope and vowing to stand by her daughter no matter the obstacles.
The film blends magical realism with deeply symbolic imagery, encouraging audiences to challenge their assumptions about disability while celebrating the power of the human spirit.
The Lullaby is based on the true story of Preethi Manuel and her daughter Zahrah, who was born with cerebral palsy.
Preethi Manuel’s journey began in 1987 when she gave birth to Zahrah.
Medical professionals advised her to leave her baby in the hospital and move on with her life.
Refusing to accept this, she learned the specialist care her daughter needed and raised her to lead a full life.
Her struggles as a single mother with little social support were later documented in a 2009 interview with The Guardian.
Preethi became an advocate for disability rights, and Zahrah’s case played a crucial role in shaping the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which granted disabled students the right to mainstream education.
Now, The Lullaby serves as a tribute to Zahrah’s legacy, reinforcing the message that every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to education and a fulfilling life.
The film brings together a talented team to tell this poignant story.
Ashnaa Sasikaran plays Kamani, bringing depth to the role with her portrayal of a mother’s strength and vulnerability.
Preethi Manuel, the writer and producer, crafted the story from her lived experiences and continues to advocate for inclusive education.
Director Mariam Majid, known for her visual artistry, has won recognition at BAFTA-qualifying festivals for her short film A Night with Noorjehan.
Producer Suman Hanif, the founder of Pageful Productions, is dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and has received funding from BFI NETWORK, Channel 4, and Bradford Council.
To bring The Lullaby to the screen, the filmmakers have launched a crowdfunding campaign, which has already gained traction thanks to generous backers.
However, more support is needed to reach the full production goal.
Contributors can access exclusive perks, including a discounted stay in a luxury holiday home in Spain or the opportunity to become an associate producer of the film.
To learn more and support the film, click here.
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