A tattoo artist is closing his studio at the end of the day when he is visited by an unexpected patron. She has arrived with a very pressing demand. Vikram is late for his birthday dinner, all his friends have already reached the venue, and yet, he decides to help out the young woman with the quick task. As the two engage in a conversation, a horrifying story develops, one that presents an overlap between the most terrifying experience of the girl at a conversion therapy facility, and another sinister occurrence awaiting Vikram. 

The film becomes an earnest effort in storytelling that utilizes a limited physical space to portray its reality. The narrative simply offers a moment in time without the cause-and-effect relationship of its many events. Hence, if '12.12' is developed into a longer project with all of these details, it would enrich the story further.

12.12 | Short Film Nominee

As the title suggests, it is a phone call that triggers the primary action within the film. A woman, Aditi is driving back home when her sister, Priya calls her. Exasperated at the mention of a marriage proposal, Aditi refuses to let Priya speak any further, not hesitating to communicate her annoyance. While so far the story is direct, simply about an exchange over a phone call, something truly awry begins to enter the narrative at this point. The protagonist's car breaks down, and she runs into an unexpected stranger in the middle of the road. It is through the conversation that follows that the film's most pivotal message is shared with the viewer, one that raises an important question about Aditi's rigid approach to life.

The Call | Short Film Nominee

When the story begins, it gives you the impression that it will be one dealing with discrimination and the rejection of a person's identity simply because he did not conform to the preexisting order of things. As we get more involved in the protagonist's experiences, there is also an engagement with the unkindness and emotional isolation he was subjected to by not only his peers, but also loved ones due to his sexual orientation and weight issues. However what the film hasn't prepared you for are the dark, devastating consequences all these experiences are leading up to. When the truth finally arrives, what would be the fate of the protagonist and of those who were once cruel to him?

Pariah | Short Film Nominee

The film opens on a calm note, creating a deliberately misleading atmosphere for the viewer. The narration, though meant for a woman, its protagonist Rhea, is chosen by the film to be in a man's voice. The reasoning behind it is also offered soon enough, allowing it to be tied with the rest of the intentions of the premise. The plot unfolds to reveal a story of sexual abuse, assault, infidelity and far more disturbing things. However, all of it continues to be in direct contrast with the visuals presented on screen - of a woman going about her morning routine of breakfast and meditation, and maybe even greeting people from her balcony. The film succeeds at using these very mundane activities in creating a sense of foreboding that only heightens with every passing moment, allowing an eventual moment of release (or is it truly?) to the viewer only at the conclusion.

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