|
Based on a true story, PAPER FLOWERS is a journey of love and loss, tragedy and hope, and most of all, a roadmap for all of us living and breathing to not to take our moments for granted and to remember to stop and enjoy every sunset.
WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, TIX
WHAT:
"PAPER FLOWERS"
Director Mahesh Pailoor, USA, 2024, 100 minutes. Genre: romantic drama based on a true story. Not Rated (NR).
WHERE:
☀ THE GARFIELD THEATRE,719 Race St., Cincinnati 45202.
Google Map
WHEN:
☀ 1:00 pm, Saturday June 6, 2026.
Doors/box office open at 12:30.
TICKETS:
Tickets are $10.00 in advance, $15.00 at the door. Advance tickets are available online via the Tix Button, and by phone at (859) 957-3456.
ADA ACCESS & SAFETY PROTOCOLS:
The Garfield is ADA accessible, offering a direct indoor path — no ramps, no stairs — from the front door to wheelchair spaces and companion seats. Individuals using walkers, scooters or wheelchairs should call (859) 957-3456 at least 48 hours in advance to confirm your screening date and time. When notified, our staff will be standing by to assist. Additional info can be found on the CWC Policies Page.
TERMS OF PURCHASE:
Purchase of a ticket confirms acceptance by the purchaser that the presenter/host and their staff will not be liable for any loss, damage, action, claim, cost or expenses which may arise in the consequence of attendance at this event. Outside food and drink is not allowed in the theatre. Sales are final, no refunds, no exchange.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
A fresh graduate from USC, Shalin Shah (Kapil Talwalkar) is ready parent’s worst nightmare.”
Undeterred, Shalin sets off for Peru and finds even more than he cancer.
Shalin’s life is completely upended in an instant, and a once for him, they pull out of the darkness together.
As Shalin confronts mortality head-on, he realizes that even in goes viral.
THE FILMMAKERS
Mahesh Pailoor (Director)
Mahesh is an award winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles. Raised in a seaside town in Maine to immigrant Indian parents, his films often grapple with divergent notions of South Asian identity. His work has been championed at festivals and institutions, including SXSW, Cannes Lions and the Smithsonian. Pailoor directed and co-wrote the acclaimed independent feature film “Brahmin Bulls” which The New York Times praised as a “warm debut.” He has also directed multiple episodes of marquee shows like NBC’s “The Blacklist” and CBS’s “S.W.A.T.” showcasing his versatility across genres.
Mahesh is a graduate of NYU Tisch film school and earned an MFA in directing from the American Film Institute. He is an alumnus of the NBC Emerging Director Program, Disney’s TV Directing Program, Berlinale Talent Campus, and Film Independent’s Screenwriting Lab and Project:Involve.
Pailoor’s latest feature Paper Flowers is based on the viral Huffington Post article, “Thank You, Cancer”
and captures an Indian American’s poetic meditation on mortality after a terminal cancer diagnosis, further representing an evolving diaspora experience.
Asit Vyas (Producer)
Asit is an entrepreneur with a journey spanning acting, restaurant franchises, and the world of cinema. He was a franchisee of Burger King restaurants in San Jose and Pizza Hut in Connecticut and Rhode Island. While building his career as a fast-food franchisee, he pursued his cinematic passion by studying filmmaking, which led him to “Zara Si Bhool (A Small Mistake),” a Bollywood feature made in Hollywood, available on Amazon Prime.
As his children left for college, he embraced a career shift. He sold his franchise business and completed UCLA’s prestigious Producer’s Program, reigniting his dedication to the entertainment industry. Today, he is actively engaged in his second feature, Paper Flowers.
While living in Los Angeles with his wife, he takes pride in their son and daughter's pursuit of careers in medicine. His journey embodies enduring passion, dedication, and a celebration of diversity, in his personal and professional life.
Brandon Miree (Co-Producer)
Former NFL player Brandon Miree is a filmmaker, educator, and founder of Moviefield Entertainment, Corp., a Los Angeles–based production company dedicated to stories that inspire and strengthen community. Working across narrative and documentary film, his projects highlight resilience, transformation, and underrepresented voices.
His work includes independent features, educational programming, and impact-driven initiatives that connect cinema with social engagement. As Co-Producer of Paper Flowers, Miree provides creative leadership and strategic outreach, expanding the film’s reach beyond traditional exhibition into meaningful audience dialogue. He believes storytelling can spark reflection, gratitude, and collective growth.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
Gratitude. That’s the one word that this film has taught me. I didn’t know Shalin Shah or his story when he passed away in 2015. It wasn’t until a few years later when Asit Vyas (producer) approached me to direct the film, that I first read Shalin’s op ed in the Huffingtin Post, “Thank You, Cancer.” What struck me, was Shalin’s humility and perspective in the face of mortality.
We’re all going to die. That’s a given. But how we spend those days, who we spend those days with, and how we appreciate it all — that’s the real gift of life. That was the gift Shalin gave to me, from a 22 year old, wise beyond his years.
The challenge in making this film was how to convey those lofty ideas without becoming sanctimonious and overly sentimental. To that end, we worked hard on grounding the film and telling both Shalin’s spiritual journey as well as the journey of his closest loved ones, inspired by him. As much as this is Shalin’s story, it is also an ensemble piece with an incredible cast lead by Kapil Talwalkar and Olivia Liang. Along with the cast, we had an equally incredible and passionate crew who dedicated their time and talent to the making of this film.
I am so grateful for everyone who has come on this journey with us and I’m excited to share the film with audiences, helping to spread Shalin’s message of gratitude even further.
~ Mahesh Pailoor (Director)
PRODUCER'S NOTE
In 2015, a young man filled with hope and love changed the world with phrases like “Thank you, Cancer” and “Sunset for Shalin.” Shalin Shah, 22, a promising relative of mine, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He soon not only accepted his diagnosis with grace but also helped his friends and family view life through a lens of positivity.
Living with love, purpose, and gratitude became his personal epiphany. Shalin shared this message with those close to him, and it quickly spread across the internet, becoming a viral sensation.
Shalin’s story, a testament to living each day fully, created a lasting ripple effect. His legacy, touching diverse walks of life, continues to inspire. Shalin’s last wish was to share his story worldwide, hoping to help people appreciate the beautiful gift of life a little more. I decided to do my part by making “Paper Flowers,” an inspiring film based on his true story.
Asit Vyas (Producer)
DISCUSSION LEADER
Brandon Miree is a filmmaker, educator, and founder of Moviefield Entertainment whose work focuses on emotionally grounded stories about resilience, identity, and human connection.
Born in Cincinnati and now based in Los Angeles, Miree has dedicated his career to creating films and educational programs that open doors for new voices and underserved communities.
In addition to developing narrative and documentary projects, Miree has taught filmmaking to youth, military veterans, and formerly incarcerated adults, using storytelling as a tool for empowerment and opportunity. Through Moviefield Entertainment and Kyzo Community Services, he continues building programs centered around creativity, mentorship, and access.
His latest film, Paper Flowers, reflects his passion for intimate, character driven storytelling and his belief that meaningful stories can come from anywhere. Returning to Cincinnati for this special hometown screening is both a personal and full circle moment as he shares the film with the city where his journey began.
DRINKS & DINING
SHANGHAI
ON ELM
Please welcome Shanghai on Elm to the CWC film family! One-and-a-half blocks from the theatre at 7th & Elm, this friendly, fun and affordable Asian fusion eatery offers late-night hours: 5 PM-Midnight, Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday; and 5 PM-2 AM, Friday-Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Perfect for a post film drink or delicious selection from their extensive menu – big-bowl noodle soups, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, traditional stir fry, fish/scallops/shrimp/prawn, plus all manner of wontons, dumplings, noodles, rice and homemade sauces.
Also open for lunch, 11 AM – 2 PM, Monday-Friday.
CWC patrons receive a 15% discount on their order, excluding alcohol; The discount is valid only for the date of a CWC screening. Let your server know you are a CWC patron and ask for your discount. Hours and menu subject to change - check before booking.
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED: 513-906-7000, Shanghai On Elm.
~~~~~~~
BUTCHER
& BARREL
CWC patrons receive a 15% discount on their order, excluding alcohol; menu is on the website. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially if you are dining between weekend sessions. You should present your online confirmation or ticket from the event, and let your server know if there are time constraints. The discount is valid only for the date of ticket.
HOURS: MON, closed; TUE-WED-THS, 4-10 pm; FRI-SAT, 4-12 am; SUN, 4-10 pm. The kitchen closes one hour before the restaurant. Hours and menu subject to change - check the website before booking. RESERVATIONS REQUESTED: 513-954-8974 or thebutcherbarrel.com.
EVENT SPONSORS
~~~~~~
As a locally owned agency, Nattingham Home Care is proud to support storytelling, community engagement, and events that bring people together through shared experiences.
Nattingham Home Care serves families throughout Hamilton County and surrounding communities with personalized care designed to support dignity, safety, and meaningful daily living.
~~~~~~
The Reign Shop
A unique retail haven offering a showcase for local merchants, The Reign Shop empowers minority entrepreneurs while building community pride in North College Hill.