Aussie film starring Shahana Goswami, David Wenham inspired by Indian culture

Kolkata: An Australian film, based on how lives can be saved with organ transplants, has drawn heavy inspiration from Indian culture and philosophy.

Eminent Australian director Paul Cox's latest film 'Force of Destiny' is based on the personal experiences of the filmmaker himself.

Starring Bollywood actress Shahana Goswami and National-Award winner Seema Biswas besides 'Lord of the Rings' fame David Wenham, it was screened at the Kolkata International Film Festival.

"India has always been a source of inspiration for me for its culture, heritage, philosophy. I have tried to incorporate many elements of Indian culture in my film as it is a story of love, hope and miracle," said Cox, known for films like 'Man of Flowers' 'My First Wife', 'Exile', 'Innocence' and 'Human Touch'.

A frequent visitor to India, his association to the country goes back to many decades when he made a 30-minute-long documentary on Kolkata titled 'Calcutta' during the late sixties.
"I have been deeply influenced by India," the filmmaker said.

Besides Australia, the film was also shot in Kerala. 'Force of Destiny' is a fictionalised account of his experiences after he was diagnosed of liver cancer in 2009 and had only few months to live.