The documentary presents a concise, but compelling account of the many tribal identities in Wayanad, Kerala. Along with offering a glimpse into the many threads that make up this whole, which is far from being a monolithic entity, it further introduces the viewer to the efforts of those who are trying to conserve primarily the linguistic aspect of it. For instance, as the narrative portrays for the viewer, each tribe had songs for different occasions. These songs, in the process, became their history, and the loss of these tunes and rhymes is tantamount to a huge loss of a cultural identity we might never get back. The film draws your attention to all of these aspects of a society that operates and thrives far from our urban existence, and retains all the lyricism and poetry of its subject while doing so. The visuals of the film are especially beautiful and are thereby able to support its subject matter efficiently, allowing the final product to be an engrossing and insightful documentary.

Kanavu  | Short Film of the Month

Media often offers a very tiresome portrayal of old people, reducing them to frail, feeble beings with little personality beyond that of chronic illnesses or existential despair. Consequently, when a film appears with a protagonist advanced in her age, but marked by the zest and verve that could be characteristic of anyone at any age, it is a fresh breath of air, to say the least. It is indeed heartwarming, and entertaining, to be introduced to a grandmother who decides to take matters in her own hands when her teenaged granddaughter seemingly avoids spending time with her. Our protagonist brings in the aid of technology to learn a thing or two about the smartphone era. While a regular internet user might be all too familiar with it, to the extent of having conditioned themselves into accepting it as the norm, experiencing it from the point of view of an outsider is truly the hilarious, eccentric and revelatory journey you would want to embark on. Additionally, when the granny has finally reached her intended destination, will she still have as much time as before to spend with her granddaughter? The narrative presents forth an answer in the most endearing manner.

Granny Wannabe | Short Film of the Day

The narrative of the documentary follows a fairly interesting subject - the skateboarding community of Kochi. Through its interaction with the many skateboarders of the Fly Squad, the short film offers a wonderful and sincere portrayal of their highs and lows, the obstacles strewn in their path, and their dedicated and single-minded efforts to overcome them. Essentially, the story is of hope and never quitting irrespective of what the journey throws your way in the form of financial problems, lack of facilities, gender discrimination (not by the skateboarding community, but society itself who finds it difficult to allow women and young girls into public space) and so much more. This is further enhanced by skilled camerawork and shots of a city exhibiting finesse and potential for much more in the future projects of the team. In all, the film is a reminder to keep working towards something you truly believe in, and allowing it to become your very own personalised expression of freedom.

Free Flying | Short Film of the Day

The documentary film is a zealous endeavour to introduce the viewer to Kerala's fishermen community. It picks several case studies to bring in varied voices to talk about their tribulations, plans and expectations from future generations, relationship with education - their own as well as that of their children, and their ideas of religious harmony. Visually, however, the film stands to gain from closer attention to colour correction. The final product shows potential, presenting the viewer with the cause of its arguments, even though a more defined effect for the same would have allowed the film an added coherence. Overall, Vellam remains a well-intentioned product, exhibiting vision and should be appreciated thus.

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