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THE BIG SICK
Based on the real-life courtship between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, THE BIG SICK tells the story of Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail (Nanjiani), who connects with grad student Emily (Kazan) after one of his standup sets. However, what they thought would be just a one-night stand blossoms into the real thing, which complicates the life that is expected of Kumail by his traditional Muslim parents. When Emily is beset with a mystery illness, it forces Kumail to navigate the medical crisis with her parents, Beth and Terry (Holly Hunter and Ray Romano) who he's never met, while dealing with the emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart.
Meet the director
Michael Showalter
Michael Showalter, born 1970, is a director, writer and comedian. He co-founded Comedy troupes The State and Stella. His first TV assignment was series YOU WROTE IT, YOU WATCH IT (1992). In 2005, he had his feature film debut THE BAXTER. HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS starring Sally Field won the Audience Award at SXSW 2015 in Austin.