'Highway Nights' is a live-action short film inspired by the life of Indian tribal sex workers of the Banchhada tribe who have been forced to work as sex workers since the time of British colonization as a punishment for killing a British sepoy by one of the tribals. The film was the first runner-up at Dada Saheb International Film Festival and also won the grand jury prize at the Best of India Short Film Festival. Currently, it is in consideration for the Oscars 2023 in live action short film category.
Elisha Patel, popularly known as Elisha Kriis, who hails from Gujarat is a film actress who has appeared in American, Hindi, Telugu and Gujarati films and shows. Since 2014 Elisha has her own film production company in Hollywood.
Talking to Asian Voice from Los Angeles, Elisha says, “I am an associate producer on this film, whose main lead is played by national-award winning filmmaker-actor Prakash Jha and I am in charge of supporting and executing the director’s vision and every aspect of the film, including marketing, promoting and representing the film and its cause on an international platform. This short film was made with the earnest intention to highlight the issue of the MP based tribe and become an influence in bringing a change.”
Currently working on incredible experiences of XR using new immersive technology in US and engaging with international content creators, Elisha says, “I am extremely proud of being a Gujarati. I visit Gujarat twice a year just to spend time with my loved ones and stay connected with my roots. My education at MS University, Vadodara has immensely helped me in my career. I take pride in being called a Gujarati in Hollywood where there are not many Gujjus.”
Ahmedabad based corporate executive Vinay Verma who knows Elisha from early days says, “Elisha’s parents served as Judges in Gujarat. Elisha’s is an inspirational story of a small town girl’s journey from Vadodara to Hollywood.”
The film has received critical acclaim and has been awarded the grand jury prize at the Best of India Short Film Festival in 2021. A Hollywood release is anticipated for the film in LA, USA soon.
Elisha says, “I live in LA as an actress and film producer. I only pick up projects worthy of my time, energy and effort. Once I am committed to a project then there is no looking back and I want to give it my all. Language and country are not a barrier and good entertainment transcends borders. I have been a part of English, Hindi, Telugu and Gujarati projects in the past. My US films and English language travel show have been shot and distributed all over the world and translated into multiple languages. I am also currently working on an inspirational biopic on the life of Sindhutai Sapkal, famously known as Mother of 1,400 orphans.”