A series on aftermath of tsunami premieres on HBO December 26

New Delhi, Dec 12 (UNI) Two years after the tsunami hit the Andaman coast of Thailand, the harrowing effects of the natural disaster will be captured on celluloid by a new series to be premiered on Indian television later this month.

Focussing on the sense of personal loss and the arduous battle for survival experienced by those at the recieving end of the tragedy will be 'Tsunami-The Aftermath', a mini series that premieres on the HBO Channel on December 26.

Based on extensive research and interviews by writer Morgan Abi, 'Tsunami-The Aftermath' explores the interconnections of those who suffered loss in this unimaginable tragedy.

Announcing the launch of the new series, which premiered in the United States on December 9, country manager, HBO, South Asia Shruti Bajpai said, ''a series like this based on a tragedy that had its repurcussions in several countries across Asia is sure to evoke a sense of identification among audiences transcending across nations more so since it's underlying theme or message is to celebrate the best of the human spirit during the best of times.'' Filmed on location in Phuket and Khao Lak in Thailand, 'Tsunami-The Aftermath' follows a group of fictional characters whose lives are irrevocably transformed by the cataclysmic natural disaster - a young couple searching for their child; a Thai survivor who loses his family and tries to prevent developers from seizing the land his village is built on; an Englishwoman whose husband and son are missing and a British official whose faith in the system is torn apart.

Being presented by HBO films in association with the BBC, the two part mini series has an Indian connection in that it is directed by Britain-based Indian filmmaker Bharat Nalluri.

''The series is a part of our efforts over the years to present a slice of reality through the HBO original series like the 'Band of Brothers aired recently. The attempt in 'Tsunami-The Aftermath' is also to ensure that it is as true to life as possible,''Ms Bajpai said.

The mini-series examines the cultural and personal fault lines that can be ruptured when catastrophe strikes, and shows how people all over the world - and across a wide social and economic spectrum - came together in the aftermath of the tsunami to cope with their losses and try to help one another to rebuild their lives.

''This is second time we are coming together with the BBC to produce a series, the first time being for producing the famous series 'Rome', which premiered on HBO earlier this year,'' Ms Bajpai said.

She said the series would feature some of the biggest faces in the field of International cinema including Academy award nominees Tim Roth, Sophie Okonedo and Tony Collette, besides Chiwetel Ejiofor, Hugh Bonneville (Notting Hill) and Gina McKee (Scenes of a sexual nature).

UNI AR LS HS1601