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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 6:30.
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.
SYNOPSIS
A fresh graduate from USC, Shalin Shah (Kapil Talwalkar) is ready to take on the world and make a difference. Being the only son to his Indian immigrant parents, Jay (Faran Tahir) and Reema (Meera Simhan), Shalin carries the burden of South Asian expectations. The only problem is, Shalin is headed off to Peru with the Peace Corps instead of med school, and his long time girlfriend, Fiona (Olivia Liang) is Taiwanese American, instead of a “traditional” Indian American match. Shalin’s best friend, Milan (Karan Soni), is more than happy to watch his friend’s predicament, teasing him as “every Indian parent’s worst nightmare.”
Undeterred, Shalin sets off for Peru and finds even more than he was expecting — a real purpose and meaning to his life. But before Shalin can embark on his journey, a check up with a local Doctor for a lingering cough, reveals a much more troubling diagnosis. Returning prematurely to the US, Shalin is shocked to learn from Dr. Baxter (Tom Everett Scott) that he has a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Shalin’s life is completely upended in an instant, and a once bright future becomes dim. Through chemotherapy and self introspection, Shalin tumbles on a downward spiral, in spite of his family’s best efforts. But with the help of Fiona and her undying love for him, they pull out of the darkness together.
As Shalin confronts mortality head-on, he realizes that even in the midst of death and a shortened life, he still has an opportunity to change the world — by living his life in the moment and sharing his experience with others through an inspiring manifesto that quickly 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.
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.
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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 SPONSOR
As a locally owned agency, Nattingham Home Care is proud to support storytelling, community engagement, and events that bring people together through shared experiences. We are honored to partner with initiatives that celebrate resilience, creativity, and the power of connection within our city.
Founded in Cincinnati, Nattingham Home Care provides compassionate in-home support services for seniors and adults who need assistance maintaining independence in the comfort of their own homes. Licensed by the State of Ohio, Nattingham serves families throughout Hamilton County and surrounding counties with personalized care designed to support dignity, safety, and meaningful daily living.
Our services include personal care assistance, companionship, meal preparation, transportation support, respite care, and Medicaid waiver-supported home care services. We believe quality care extends beyond tasks — it is about building trust, preserving dignity, and creating genuine human connection.