Writer/director Luke Morgan’s THE BOAT is based on a true story of a father whose daughter displays some troubling medical symptoms forcing him to make a devastating decision. This heart-breaking short film has qualified to be considered for the 97th Academy® Awards after winning the qualifying awards at the Foyle Film Festival and Cork Film Festival. This heart-rending film has also qualified to be considered for the 2025 Oscars®. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
When Dhuckia’s father discovers that she is showing the early symptoms of leprosy, he must make a devastating choice. Based on a true story. Luke Morgan is an Irish writer and director. He was nominated for the Discovery Award at the Dublin International Film Festival in 2020, and was awarded the 2015 Screenplay Pitching Award at the Galway Film Fleadh. He is also an award- winning published poet.
Producing duo Jake and Luke Morgan are the founders of Morgan Brothers based in the West Coast of Ireland. They specialise in film production, theatre, storytelling and music. Their projects are ambitious in scope, yet love is at the centre of everything they do.
The Mission To End Leprosy (TMTEL) is a global network of organisations sharing a passion to end the oldest known and still existing communicable disease in human history. Ken Gibson is the CEO at The Mission To End Leprosy, Dhukia was the very first young girl he met with Leprosy and her story compelled him to commit to doing everything to ensure that no dad ever has to face such a choice again. In that very real sense, Dhukia’s story has already had a global impact: it is the inspiration and the heart of TMTEL’s Global Leprosy Eradication Programme. It’s a story with the potential to bring healing to 50 million people and to prevent generations to come from the suffering and stigma that leprosy causes.
The stunning cinematography was created by Lakshika Serasinhe. Along with its great success at Cork and Foyle Film Festival this thought-provoking film has won many more accolades along the way including Best Short Film and Best Composer at the Worcester amongst many more.
As THE BOAT embarks on its global journey, the Morgan brothers are committed to using their success to support organisations working towards eradicating leprosy. This Oscar qualifying is a catalyst for change, inspiring audiences to join the mission to end leprosy and break down the stigma associated with this age-old disease.
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