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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 8 CITY VIEWS July 4, 2025 Friday Films Unveils “Words Of Rage”: A Bold Exploration Of Anger, Healing, And Redemption I n a strikingly raw and emotionally charged short film, Words of Rage, writer-director Hemant M. Pandya tackles a subject often left in the shadows of mental health discus- sions — anger. Premiered under the banner of New Jersey- based production house Friday Films, the 26-minute English-language drama explores how repressed rage can fracture relationships, identity, and well-being. Shot entirely in Massa- chusetts and inspired by real-life incidents, the film follows the unraveling of Seema, a success- ful entrepreneur and mother, whose internal fury gradually upends her life. At the center of the project is Seema Chaud- hary, who not only plays the lead role but also serves as the film’s producer. A Boston-area legal professional with a growing presence in independent cinema, Chaudhary’s portrayal of a woman spiraling under the weight of suppressed emotion is both unflinching and empathetic. “This project is deeply personal,” Chaudhary said. “We wanted to tell a story that reflects real in- ner battles —without judgment or stigma, just human truth. My hope is that this film opens hearts and sparks meaningful conversations around emotional well-being, empathy, and community support.” Writer-director Pandya, whose career spans more than three decades in theatre and film, said the story was born out of introspection and lived experience. “We talk openly about depression and anxiety, but anger is often brushed aside as a personality flaw rather than a legiti- mate mental health concern,” he said. “This film aims to challenge that perception.” Co-produced by Kunal Joshi of Edison, New Jersey, Words of Rage benefited from a tight-knit production team that focused on emotional authenticity. Cinematog- rapher Nicholas Pietroniro and editor Karl Ryan Erikson contributed to the film’s intimate visual and narrative tone, while composer Simone Cilio created a score that underscores its emo- tional weight. The ensemble cast includes Vernika Singh, Manish Dhall, Reshma Nair, and Subrata Das, portraying characters who reflect the cultural nuance and emotional tensions often present in immigrant communities. The film’s production design, led by Nita Pednekar, emphasizes the contrast between surface stability and internal turmoil — a recurring theme throughout the story. Set against the backdrop of South Asian diaspora life in the United States, Words of Rage raises questions about how communities deal with emotional expression, especially from women. The film challenges viewers to consider whether anger, when ignored or stigmatized, becomes as destructive as the events that may have triggered it. Words of Rage is currently being submitted to film festivals, with a teaser release expected soon. The team behind the film hopes it will spark broader conversations around mental health, emotional transparency, and healing through community. “Not everyone gets a second chance like Seema,” Pandya noted. “This film is about what happens when, instead of walking away, someone chooses to walk with you through your rage.” PHOTO: :HEMANT M.PANDYA The director Hemant Pandya passionately breaks down the climax scene with the lead actors. NJBIZ Honors Two Health Camp Of NJ Leaders For Public Health Service F ounded in 1999, Health Camp of New Jersey is a nonprofit organiza- tion that offers free health screen- ings, disease prevention education, and early intervention services to underserved populations. To date, the organization has reached over 13,500 individuals across the state, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of more than 4,200 cases of chronic illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Patel emerged as a central voice of reassurance and clarity within immi- grant and vulnerable communities. He organized virtual seminars, disseminated public health guidance through ethnic media outlets, and led local testing and vaccination initiatives at a time of im- mense uncertainty. His leadership helped dispel misinformation and deliver vital care to those most at risk. Dr. Parikh, whose clinical leadership has been central to HCNJ’s efforts, has played a crucial role in the development and execution of screening and counsel- ing services that serve thousands annu- ally. His award reflects both his medical expertise and his community outreach. The NJBIZ awards event, now in its 15th year, drew over 300 healthcare profession- als, executives, and advocates. It recog- nized leaders across multiple categories including education, innovation, men- tal health, nursing, public health, and workplace wellness. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Robert Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Me- ridian Health, which also served as the presenting sponsor for the evening. Looking ahead, Health Camp of New Jersey is preparing for one of its most ambitious initiatives yet—a permanent, full-time Community Health Center in Central New Jersey. Building on its years of mobile and pop-up event-based services, the planned facility will offer year-round care for uninsured and underinsured indi- viduals. Services will include primary care, chronic disease management, dental and mental health support, preventive screen- ings, and wellness programs. “This center will allow us to close the gaps in healthcare access and offer coordi- nated, culturally competent care to those who need it most,” said Dr. Patel. “It is the next step in a vision we’ve been building for decades.” By a StaffWriter By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Health Camp of New Jersey/ NJBIZ Dr. Rupen Parikh (left), awarded Health Care Professional of the Year, and Dr. Tushar Patel (right), honored as Public Health Hero, celebrate their achievements. Healthcare professionals and community leaders assemble on stage during the NJBIZ 2025 Healthcare Heroes Awards, recognizing outstanding efforts in public health, care delivery, and innovation.