“Extremely beautiful.” “Emotionally overwhelming.” These were some of the reactions that followed the world premiere of award-winning New York-based filmmaker Neha Lohia’s deeply personal film Hello Dad at the Big Apple Film Festival, leaving audiences moved by its intimate portrayal of grief, healing, and hope through the relationship between a daughter, played by Swiss actress Ankita Makwana, and her father, portrayed by Emmy-nominated actor Tirlok Malik.
The film, screened at Village East by Angelika in Manhattan as part of the festival’s Women Filmmakers Showcase, draws on Neha’s own life journey and delivers a poignant message: grief need not disappear for life to continue.
Speaking after the screening, Neha reflected on losing her father 18 years ago and revealed how ‘Hello Dad’ grew out of that enduring emotional bond.
“This film was never about letting go,” she shared during the discussion. “It was about learning how love continues differently.”
Neha’s emotionally layered narrative captured grief and love with such authenticity that her personal journey struck a powerful chord with the audience.
The premiere evolved beyond a typical independent film screening into an emotional evening centered on parental love, healing, and remembrance as audiences filled the theater. Several attendees traveled from Boston, Virginia, and even Canada, with some altering travel plans or making stopovers in New York specifically for the screening.
Philanthropist Krisztina Geosits described the film as “extremely beautiful,” adding that it captured “deeply human moments that are broadly unspoken.”
Meanwhile, Rev. Paul Sladkus and Eduardo Salazar Uribe said they were left “emotionally overwhelmed and speechless.” Singer Domini Monroe, who attended the premiere with her mother, reflected on the loss of her father and shared how authentic and emotionally familiar the film felt to her.
Others in the audience also acknowledged that they had been grieving privately for years and connected with the film’s message. Others said the film gave voice to emotions they had carried silently for years, with its quiet affirmation of moving forward while still holding on to loss.
The premiere also drew a cross-section of New York’s creative and wellness communities, with attendees including doctors, researchers, authors, artists, influencers, filmmakers, and community leaders. Among those present were podcast host Marya Kazmi, philanthropist Jody Weiss, actress Despina Mirou, and influencer Melissa Gallagher. The film sparked an instrumental conversation around grief and healing with leading experts such as psychiatrist Anna Yusim, Eva Selhub, author Kelly Ann Krzeczkowski, and more, who continue to join this healing dialogue.
Neha handed out miniature handwritten “love notes” tucked inside tiny envelopes, each carrying messages of enduring love and remembrance, adding a personal touch to the evening. The audience described the gesture as unexpectedly healing, while one guest who had recently lost both parents said the note she received felt like a sign from them.
Hello Dad also received attention for its sustainable filmmaking practices, earning recognition from the Environmental Media Association’s Green Seal initiative.
Following an encouraging response in New York, the film is expected to continue its festival journey, with discussions already underway about expanding the project into a larger anthology, series, or dialogue-based format centered on grief and human connection.
For more information: www.nehalohia.com/films/hello-dad
About Neha Lohia
Neha Lohia is a New York-based award-winning filmmaker and curator. Her work spans cinema, immersive media, and conscious cultural programming, exploring the intersection of storytelling, human experience, and intentional creation. She is currently completing her studies in emerging technologies in filmmaking at City University of New York (CUNY) while developing projects across film, virtual reality, and cross-disciplinary platforms.
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