October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), and in the spirit of prevention and education, CORA invites you to a special screening of Designed by Preeti, a powerful, unreleased film shot right here in Redwood City.

The story follows Preeti, a local resident, as she navigates the emotional journey of reclaiming her life after leaving an abusive marriage. While fictional, Designed by Preeti sheds light on many forms of abuse and the real challenges survivors face, bringing emotional nuance, strength, and resilience to the screen.

The film has already won a number of awards including:

Best Narrative Feature Award Winner at Red Cedar Film Festival
Best Feature Audience Award Winner at BraveMaker Film Festival
Gold Remi Award Winner at Houston International Film Festival
Nominated for Best Feature Film at Sundar Prize Film Festival

Following the screening, CORA’s CEO, Karen Ferguson, will lead a panel discussion with the film’s writer, executive producer and star, Rashmi Rustagi, to delve deeper into the realities of intimate partner abuse and the importance of prevention through awareness. This event is meant to spark honest dialogue, reduce stigma, and create space for healing and empowerment through storytelling.

About CORA

CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) has been a cornerstone of safety and support in San Mateo County for 48 years. As the county’s only agency solely focused on intimate partner violence, CORA provides a comprehensive range of services, from emergency shelter and legal advocacy to mental health support, housing assistance, education, and outreach.

CORA serves survivors of all ages, identities, and backgrounds, with a commitment to reaching those who are most underserved—including low-income individuals, immigrants, and members of disenfranchised communities. At its heart, CORA works to prevent violence before it starts, support those impacted by it, and build a future where everyone can live and love safely.

About Rashmi Rustagi

Born and raised in Lucknow, India, Rashmi Rustagi discovered her passion for storytelling through radio plays and theater at a young age. Over the years, she has graced both the big and small screens, appearing in blockbuster films such as The Avengers and India Sweets and Spices, as well as popular TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Atypical, and Never Have I Ever. Her role in the short film Bienvenidos a Los Angeles earned her recognition when the film was shortlisted for Best Live Action Short Film at the 2024 Academy Awards.

In 2020, Rashmi took her storytelling to new heights by writing, producing, and acting in the award-winning short film Unborn. The film is a poignant exploration of female feticide in the Indian-American community and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

Most recently, Rashmi completed her feature film, Designed by Preeti https://designedbypreetimovie.com, where she once again served as writer, producer, and actor. This romantic drama captures an Indian woman’s transformative journey from abuse to empowerment, shedding light on domestic abuse, mental health, and interracial romance.

In addition to her work in film, Rashmi is a popular food blogger and a public speaker. Drawing from her rich and varied experiences as a wife, mother of four, business manager, seamstress, mentor, and creative force, she inspires audiences to uncover and celebrate their unique talents.

Whether through her heartfelt storytelling or empowering speeches, Rashmi Rustagi is a creative force dedicated to making a difference.

Behind the Screen with CORA

By CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse)

Behind the Screen with CORA

A Film Screening and Panel with CORA CEO, Karen A. Ferguson, and Writer and Star of the Film, Rashmi Rustagi