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COMMUNITY
THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | JULY 10, 2022
Chandler filmmaker debuts new movie BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer
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ust like many others, Chandler filmmaker Mitesh Patel is ready to move on from COVID-19. He made three films during the pandemic that were all related in some way to the coronavirus. Now, he’s ready to have some fun. Patel debuted his newest film to a packed house June 29 at the LOOK Dinein Cinemas in Chandler. “Instant Karma” tells the story of a young couple learning about both the good, and bad sides of karma. He’s also close to releasing his next film, “Woman in the Maze,” which is about getting lost inside a cursed house. That’s quite a change from his three previous films, the documentary “COVID-19 vs. Arizona: Our Stories;” and feature films “Anti Corona Virus” and “House of Quarantine.” “We did it because I think it was a big
Chandler filmmaker Mitesh Patel greeted guests at the premiere of his new film “Instant Karma” at LOOK Dine-in Cinema in Chandler last month. (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer) topic ... and people were scared, so that’s
why I created “Anti Corona Virus,” just to
pocket expenses. To accomplish its mission, the foundation relies on donations through ArmerFoundation.org and by selling household goods, clothing and shoes at their charity thrift store at 9830 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. Their major fundraiser, its third annual gala, will be held 5-10 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Ashley Castle, 1300 Price Road, Chandler. All fundraising by the nonprofit is done to ease parents’ financial burden so as they care for their children with chronic or life-altering diseases. Taylor Pallan said he and his wife – the former 2004 Desert Vista High School alumna Kate Rook – are “shattered and oftentimes overwhelmed by the journey ahead.” They have two other children, Ellie, 7, and Jack, 5. They not only can use the donations made to their family through The Armer
Foundation for Kids but also look for help from a higher power. “We would appreciate prayers for Brooks’ treatment and that God would continue to provide our family with His strength,” Taylor posted on the Armer Foundation’s website. Kate, who was a special education elementary school teacher in California and Chandler before transitioning to a stay-athome mom two years ago, said the nearly 4-month-old journey has been “a steep learning curve.” But like her husband, she is thankful for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital – their “home away from home.” She also feels blessed to have the availability of the Phoenix Children’s East Valley Specialty Care Center on E. Southern Avenue in Mesa. It is here that Brooks can receive chemo infusion and spinal taps while receiving
keep people away from all this stuff going on,” said Patel, who is the president and director of Chandler’s International Film Festival. “But then, you know, we realized that it’s not going to be forever ... we needed to go to the different direction.” Patel calls “Instant Karma” a fantasy film and was pleased with the reaction he received from its debut. The film will be available to rent and stream on multiple platforms, including Amazon Prime and Apple’s iTunes store. Patel is the producer, writer and director of the film. That’s a role that he prefers. “The reason I do it, is because I want to make sure everything is good,” he said. “When I’m depending on somebody, then it’s kind of like I’m not sure that I’m going to get what I want. So I make sure … they’re doing the right job.” Patel says he likes the freedom he gets as an independent filmmaker. He can
see KARMA page 29
East Valley foundation aids another ‘Armer Kid’ BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Arizonan Contributor
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rooks Pallan is only 3 1/2 and already the Chandler toddler has undergone multiple chemotherapy treatments. The third child of Taylor and Kate Pallan faces treatment for Brooks’ B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia that could take three years or more. Ahwatukee-based Armer Foundation for Kids has stepped in to help the Pallans, who began this tumultuous journey on March 12. Brooks is the newest “Armer Kid” for whom the foundation is raising funds. The Armer Foundation’s mission is to be there when health insurance is not enough to help, assisting families with copays, premiums, deductibles, and out-of-
physical therapy at the PCU outpatient location at Mercy Gilbert hospital. “It’s a much easier drive for us than driving 40 to 50 minutes into Phoenix,” said Kate, a south Chandler resident who grew up in Ahwatukee. Brooks’ parents agree the chemo treatments especially take their toll on their toddler. “Some of the drugs cause him to lose his gross motor skills and suffer through nerve pain,” said Taylor. “Brooks’ treatment will be about three years with numerous hospital stays and clinic visits.” Seeing the changes the disease and his treatments have wreaked on their youngest son have been heart-wrenching. “Before Brooks’ diagnosis, he was super active, yet at one point he couldn’t walk across the house; he had to be carried. He
see ARMER page 29
