"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."

— Alice Walker

The Time Is Now

SOAR's recent study of gender based violence among South Asians across 50 US states found that 48% of South Asians in the US experience physical violence, 38% experience emotional abuse, 35% experience economic abuse, and 26% experience immigration related abuse.

Queen of Heart challenges the hypocrisy and hidden abuse in elite Asian immigrant families, where status often masks suffering. It’s a fresh, bold take on resilience and rebellion, offering audiences a rare, unfiltered look at a woman reclaiming her power. With its darkly comedic tone, it turns pain into empowerment, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.

In a time where conversations about emotional abuse, gender dynamics, and cultural expectations are gaining momentum, Queen of Heart is more relevant than ever. As more women break their silence and demand autonomy, this film amplifies their voices, showing that change isn’t just possible—it’s necessary.

Story Synopsis

Based on Real Events

Queen of Heart is the story of TIA SANYAL, the daughter-in-law of an upscale Asian immigrant family living in the United States. Tia is stuck in a dead marriage, kicked out of her own bedroom nine years ago when she was unable to bear a child and carry forward the Sanyal lineage. When she asked for a bed, her unemployed husband, Rishi, gaslit her by saying “Let’s save the money to take a vacation to Switzerland instead.” After nine years, Tia is still sleeping in the basement, and there was never any vacation to Switzerland. The Sanyals are mercenary, unscrupulous and abusive in a ‘sophisticated’ way. The only law they follow is the ‘Sanyal law’. Beneath the layers of Tia’s thick makeup lie deep secrets that are tucked away inside the walls of the Sanyal house. Until one day, when Tia decides to get back on her own terms. She finds a bold, and quirky way to turn Sanyalism on its head—and make herself heard and seen. 

Director's Statement

Queen of Heart is a dark comedy inspired by my childhood bestie Tia’s twelve-year battle to secure a bedroom in her marital home. For ten-plus years, Tia carried on a silent protest. She explored several plans, including bringing a bed into the living room, letting the neighbors know, reaching out to law, etc... But all this led to nothing. Finally, one day, after years of silent abuse, Tia picked up her kids and walked out.

Queen of Heart was born out of this episode in my best friend’s life. It is based here in the US. Tonally and thematically, I am inspired by renowned Bengali cinema director, Aparna Sen. I am especially influenced by Sen's 2013 film Jewel Box, a horror comedy on the practice of early widowhood in pre-colonial Bengal, India. Since my story is based on an immigrant family, it tackles issues of visa and work status, social stigma, and how that is often abused to deny the daughter-in-law her basic rights. While the subject matter is serious, I am using dark comedy for a less heavy-handed treatment. It is known that humor makes one feel in control of the situation. The goal is to make the character—and our audience—feel empowered in the end.

I am thrilled to collaborate with Tom Kolicko, owner and founder of Traverse Studios. Tom comes with years of filmmaking experience with several films streaming on Amazon and other digital platforms. I am also honored to have veterans filmmaker and professor, Dr. Sheila Schroeder, as the Consulting Producer on the team. Finally, we as a team are thrilled to have collaborators from Whistling Woods International, India’s top film school, and among the top ten globally, rated by The Hollywood Reporter.

We're also proud to partner with Women in Film and Media Colorado (WIFMCO) through their incredible shadow program, which will allow their members to observe the Queen of Heart production process firsthand. This collaboration is our way of giving back to the Colorado film community and providing aspiring filmmakers with valuable insight into the industry.

Last but not least, a heartfelt thank you to the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival for their support and partnership. As a proud member of the festival’s programming committee, I deeply appreciate their dedication to uplifting diverse voices in cinema, and I’m honored to have Queen of Heart be part of this journey.

— Roma Sur (Writer/Director)

Community Partnerships That Matter

Authenticity and responsible storytelling are the queens of our hearts as storytellers. That’s why we’ve partnered with Ashiyanaa, SOAR, and Weaving Identities, three incredible organizations doing the real work behind the screen, in the real world.

Ashiyanaa: A Safe Haven for South Asians

Ashiyanaa is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been serving the South Asian community since 1989, formerly known as ASHA for Women. With a mission to empower South Asians to lead peaceful lives with dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency, Ashiyanaa provides culturally sensitive support services to those facing gender and interpersonal violence. Now, with a fresh and inclusive identity, Ashiyanaa is redefining its mission to support all South Asians, regardless of gender, while continuing its legacy of advocacy and empowerment.

SOAR: Building an Ecosystem for Survivors, Advocates, and Allies

South Asian SOAR, founded in 2021, is a national movement dedicated to addressing gender-based violence within South Asian communities. Sparked by the rising crisis of violence, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustices, SOAR unites survivors, advocates, and allies to drive systemic and cultural change. Through education, leadership development, community organizing, and advocacy, the organization empowers individuals to become agents of change. SOAR also strengthens frontline organizations by providing resources, mentorship, and training while working to shift narratives and influence policy. Its vision is a future free from violence, fostering healing, justice, and joy for all South Asian communities.

Weaving Identities: Amplifying Voices, Creating Change

Weaving Identities is an initiative of Ujyalo Foundation that focuses on bringing forward the stories and lived experiences of South Asian and Southeast Asian immigrants in the Denver area. Their mission is to amplify voices, raise awareness about racial injustice, and ensure meaningful representation and participation at both community and policy levels. Through storytelling, advocacy, and education, Weaving Identities works to create a more inclusive and equitable future.

All three extraordinary organizations have played a critical role in reviewing our script, ensuring that the characters and their experiences are represented with depth, nuance, and cultural sensitivity. Their insights have helped us tell this story with the care and responsibility it deserves.

Beyond consultation, Ashiyanaa, SOAR, and Weaving Identities will be screening the film in their spaces, fostering vital conversations about power, autonomy, and breaking cycles of abuse. Their tireless work in the community—supporting survivors, challenging cultural stigmas, and advocating for meaningful change—is what makes a real difference.

We are honored to collaborate with them, and we hope that Queen of Heart serves as both a tribute to their work and a catalyst for even more conversations that inspire action.

Visual Style

Project Timeline

We hope to raise between $8-$10K through a dedicated audience on Seed & Spark to cover the bare minimum costs of shooting the film. We have assembled a team of passionate, talented collaborators to bring this project to life with film faculty, film students, and local/non-local Colorado talent. This campaign will enable us to pay our cast and crew fair wages as well as afford authentic props, costumes, and locations. And, of course, providing food on set!

With your help, we will be able to shoot and edit Queen of Heart by the end of 2025, where it will then be entered into film festivals around the world and ultimately distributed online on YouTube and on other streaming platforms (like Amazon Prime).

Principal photography for Queen of Heart will take place in Colorado and is scheduled for July 2025.

This film hopes to touch the lives of many Tias, but we can only make it with your support. Pledge, follow, share, and join the Queen of Heart journey today!

@queenofheartfilm