SHALIN'S STORY
Paper Flowers is inspired by the true story of Shalin Shah—a young man whose life, though shortened by a rare and aggressive cancer, became a powerful testament to love, gratitude, and purpose. After graduating from college, Shalin chose a path of service, leaving behind his Indian American family and his Taiwanese American girlfriend to volunteer with the Peace Corps in Peru, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference.
At the very moment his life seemed to be opening up, he was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. What followed was not defined by fear, but by transformation. Returning home, Shalin’s journey brought healing across generations, deepened relationships, and bridged cultural divides. In the face of mortality, he discovered that life’s true value lies not in its length, but in the richness of each moment—an outlook he later shared through his viral essay, “Thank You, Cancer,” inspiring millions around the world.
Paper Flowers, the award-winning feature film inspired by his life, carries that message forward—inviting audiences not only to witness his story, but to reflect on their own. It creates space to process grief, heal, reconnect, and ultimately embrace a life fully lived.
HELPING INDIVIDUALS PROCESS GRIEF, EMBRACE A LIFE WELL LIVED
Finding joy, peace, and purpose—especially in times of crisis—is never easy. Paper Flowers invites audiences to stay connected to what matters most, embracing gratitude and presence even in the face of grief, cultural divides, and life’s greatest challenges.
Across the country, community partners are using the film to open meaningful conversations around grief, caregiving, purpose-driven living, end-of-life awareness, and the courage to live fully.
OUR IMPACT JOURNEY CONTINUES
Bring Paper Flowers to your community and help turn a powerful story into meaningful conversation.
Paper Flowers partners with community organizations to create screenings and conversations around grief, caregiving, healing, purpose, gratitude, and living life fully.
• Special-event screenings to build awareness and engage communities, press, donors, and supporters
• Virtual and in-person screenings with healthcare providers, patients, caregivers, grief counselors, and community partners
• University and medical institution screenings with facilitated discussions for students and professionals
• Q&As and conversations with members of the filmmaking team and special guests
• Community partnerships with cancer organizations, immigrant communities, service organizations, and mission-aligned foundations
• Impact and community screenings nationwide and internationally
• Underwriting opportunities for the planned PBS broadcast in February 2027
Following its U.S. theatrical release with AMC, Paper Flowers is now entering its impact and community screening phase—bringing the film directly to organizations and audiences where its message can inspire meaningful conversation and connection.
Host a screening followed by a Q&A, panel discussion, or community conversation tailored to your audience. Screenings can bring together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, educators, students, community leaders, and others around the film’s themes of healing, gratitude, purpose, and living fully.
