When Dr. Nita Patel was just four years old, her father's battle with tuberculosis inspired her to dedicate her life to curing infectious diseases. “A Shot at History,” intimately chronicles Nita's inspiring journey from a small village in India to the forefront of immunology in the U.S., where she rises to prominence as a pioneering scientist. When the COVID-19 pandemic strikes, she is confronted with the greatest challenge of her career. Driven by her childhood promise, Nita leads her all-female team in a relentless race to develop a life-saving vaccine. Though her work saves millions, Nita is haunted by the memory of her father and undertakes an emotional journey back to her home in India, seeking to heal past wounds and grieve her late parents after decades away. Incorporating universal themes of identity, the American dream and family legacy, this documentary explores the profound intersection of personal sacrifice and global impact.
Biography:
Erika Cohn is an award-winning American filmmaker and producer who has two Emmys, a Peabody, and a DGA to her name. Her film, the New York Times Critics Pick Belly of the Beast, featured an original song shortlisted for the Oscars. Cohn’s films discuss human rights issues, and some of them have been featured at the Toronto International Film Festival and Sundance. Cohn also works closely with organizations including the Sundance Institute, Tribeca Institute, Women in Film, and SFFILM.
Rajal Pitroda is an award-winning American producer whose films examine issues surrounding race, gender, and class. Some of her films include The Gas Station Attendant, The Chaplain and the Doctor, and How To Have An American Baby. Pitroda also produced films that were selected at prestigious institutions like Sundance, Tribeca Film Festival, and the Berlin Film Festival. Pitroda is the founder and CEO of Cinevention, a media marketing and distribution company and has previously worked in marketing campaigns for independent and Bollywood cinema.
