COMING-OF-AGE FAMILY FILM "DESERT DOLPHIN" SKATES TO NETFLIX

Netflix has acquired the global rights to Desert Dolphin, a coming of age story of a teen girl in rural India, whose life changes when she learns to skateboard.

Director: Manjari Makijany will make her feature directorial debut

Screenwriters: Manjari Makijany; Vinati Makijany

Producers: Emmanuel Pappas; Vinati Makijany; Manjari Makijany

Executive Producer: Michael Pellico

Production Companies: Skatepark Films, Mac Productions

Composers: Salim and Sulaiman Merchant (Salim-Sulaiman)

Cast: Rachel Saanchita Gupta and Shafin Patel make their acting debut alongside Amrit Maghera (Hollyoaks) and legendary Indian actor Waheeda Rehman (Guide)

Logline: Prerna, a teenager growing up in rural India, comes of age when she's introduced to the sport of skateboarding. As a result, she has to fight the odds to follow her dreams and compete in the national championship.

Desert Dolphin Skatepark, located in a remote cluster of rural villages in Khempur-Mavli district near Udaipur (the city of lakes and palaces), was constructed for the film with the support of Indian and International skate volunteers. The skatepark remains free for public use with the aim of continuing the social impact such parks have on rural communities. It's one of India's largest and Rajasthan's first skatepark that is becoming a training ground for skaters from all over the country.

Netflix will release the film next year

Desert Dolphin joins Netflix's growing slate of live action family films featuring kids and teens, which includes recent releases Feel the Beat, directed by Elissa Down (The Honor List), starring Sofia Carson; WWE's The Main Event, directed by Jay Karas (Ali Wong: Hard Knock Wife), starring Seth Carr; and 2019 comedy Tall Girl, directed by Nzingha Stewart (Little Fires Everywhere), starring Ava Michelle; Upcoming films include The Sleepover, directed by Trish Sie (Pitch Perfect 3); Finding Ohana, directed by Jude Weng (Fresh Off the Boat); A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting directed by Rachel Talalay (Sherlock) and A Week Away directed by Roman White (Summer Forever).