THE PATEL MOTEL STORY
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Official Selection — 2025 Tribeca Festival
About the Film: The Patel Motel Story reveals how South Asian immigrants, led by one undocumented man’s journey from Gujarat, built a hotel empire—transforming American hospitality through resilience, identity, and belonging.
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Official Selections & Festival Screenings:
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Upcoming:
Tenderloin Museum (Community Screening
Thursday, May 21, 2026 6:30 PM-7:30 PM
398 Eddy StreetSan Francisco, CA, 94102
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Past:
International South Asian Film Festival of Canada​
South Asian Film Festival of Orlando
Tasveer South Asian Film Festival
Indian Film Festival of Houston
Press Coverage
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CNN feature on "The Patel Motel Story"
Bloomberg article on Patel Motel documentary.
Interview with "The Core"
CNN feature on "The Patel Motel Story"
"Have you ever noticed that every motel you've ever stayed at are all owned by Indian people? Look at the name tag, "Patel." They're all from one part of India, and they're all related."
Hasan Minhaj, Comedian
Share your story
Seeking Patel Stories: Share your firsthand experiences and connections to the Patel Motel Story.
Be a part of our documentary and help us chronicle the extraordinary journey of the Patels and their profound impact on the hospitality industry.