Indian-American documentary ‘Destination Oak Tree Road’ nominated for two New York Emmy Awards 2025

NEW YORK: ‘Destination Oak Tree Road’, a widely acclaimed documentary film about the meteoric rise to global recognition of a New Jersey retail and residential neighbourhood from years of decline, has been honoured with two 2025 New York Emmy Award nominations. The 68th Annual New York Emmy Awards takes place in New York City on October 11.

The film was directed and narrated by internationally renowned broadcast journalist Rohit Vyas. He has also received nominations in the Documentary, Historical, and Performer/Narrator categories. The recognitions were announced recently at the PIX 11 studios by the New York chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NY NATAS), as per the press note shared by Vyas Productions.

Reacting to the announcement, Vyas said, “I am honoured that the hard work put into this production by our entire team has been recognised by esteemed peers in the industry. Having spent decades as a broadcast journalist covering the Indian and South Asian diaspora communities, this first documentary film project is particularly special. It is profoundly gratifying to see that the collective effort has made an impact,” as quoted in a press note.

‘Destination Oak Tree Road’ spotlights the history of Oak Tree Road, a mile-and-a-half-long, once desolate but today bustling cultural and business district in New Jersey that stretches from Edison Township to Iselin in Woodbridge Township.

Officials and long-time residents interviewed in the film attribute the area’s revitalisation to the hard work and commitment of the Indian American community. The production delves into how the community’s efforts, in spite of numerous early obstacles, have today garnered Oak Tree Road worldwide recognition and attracted investment from multinational corporations.

Nominated alongside Rohit Vyas are fellow producers, 14-time Emmy Award winner Janice Selinger, actress/sports host Aditi Vyas, and Arts advocate Isha Vyas.

Also nominated for the project is Joe Lee, former NJPBS vice-president and general manager as the executive in charge of production and Steve Stone as director of photography. The film, which first aired on NJPBS, is a co-production of Vyas Productions and NJ PBS/The WNET Group. It is currently available to stream on PBS.

“The Asian Indian community in New Jersey is one of the largest in the country”, said Vyas. He continued, “This documentary aims to reflect its history, challenges, and successes through the microcosm of one small but impactful area. Most importantly, it is a quintessentially American story. Work hard, achieve success, and live the American Dream”, as quoted in a press note. (ANI)