Private Project

Gold Medal

An aspirational yet unconfident pre-teen named Moti discovers a pure gold medal while collecting coins at the river bottom. What he believes will bring him prosperity instead leads him down a path of unexpected challenges.

  • Ujjwal Patel
    Director
  • Ujjwal Patel
    Writer
  • Ujjwal Patel
    Producer
  • Akshay Pradeep
    Producer
  • Jihan Hodar
    Key Cast
    "Moti"
  • Farhaan Shah
    Key Cast
    "Sonu"
  • Vivaan Mudgal
    Key Cast
    "Golu"
  • Swastik Sharma
    Key Cast
    "Lalu"
  • Himanshu Dubay
    Cinematographer
  • Aador Das
    Background Music
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    33 minutes 4 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 15, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Hindi
  • Shooting Format:
    Sony Venice
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ujjwal Patel

Ujjwal Patel, a filmmaker born in India and immigrated to the US at the age of 18, brings a unique blend of cultural influences and visual style to his storytelling.

Ujjwal's journey into filmmaking started with a childhood dream of making films. After coming to the US with nothing in hand, he initially pursued a career in technology through community college and university. However, recognizing his true calling in filmmaking, he made the bold decision to drop out and with the help of financial aid and student loans enrolled in film school to follow his passion.

With a lifelong passion for films, Ujjwal attended film school, where he refined his skills and deepened his understanding of the cinematic arts. This educational foundation was crucial in shaping his approach to filmmaking, emphasizing the power of visual narratives.

Ujjwal's filmmaking career began with his student short film "Larry Brought Lemon," which was followed by another short, "I am Joe," showcasing his growing talent and commitment to the craft.

"Gold Medal" is Ujjwal's latest film, a heartwarming tale set in India about a pre-teen boy who discovers a pure gold medal and believes it will bring him wealth and prosperity. However, the medal leads to unexpected challenges, and he soon realizes the true value of friendship and belonging.

Ujjwal is inspired by the visual art of storytelling and strongly believes in visuals over words. His philosophy is encapsulated in his mantra: "Why tell something when you can show it?"

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Director Statement

As a child, every summer vacation meant a 2000-kilometer train journey across India to visit my hometown. The highlight of these trips was borrowing coins to toss through the train window into the many holy rivers we crossed, a joyous memory that has stayed with me for decades. This profound experience inspired the story of "Gold Medal."

"Gold Medal" tells the story of a pre-teen boy who discovers a pure gold medal while collecting coins at the river bottom. He believes this fortune will bring him wealth and prosperity; however, his journey with the medal leads him to unexpected challenges and profound realizations about belonging. This narrative is deeply personal to me as it reflects the universal human experiences of aspiration, resilience, and the true meaning of wealth.

In crafting this film, my goal was to create a visually compelling and emotionally resonant story that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. I wanted to show that the values of friendship, community, and self-discovery are universal and can be understood and appreciated by audiences around the world.

The production of "Gold Medal" was filled with its own set of challenges, from casting young actors who could not only convincingly portray the story's emotional depth but could also swim in the rive, to managing a large crew in unfamiliar locations. Despite these obstacles, our team was driven by our shared commitment to bring this story to life. The experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of perseverance and collaboration.

As a filmmaker, I am inspired by the potential of visuals to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and foster understanding. With "Gold Medal," I aimed to create a film that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on its audience. I am excited to share this journey with viewers and hope that it resonates with them as deeply as it has with me.

Ujjwal Patel

Director, "Gold Medal"