The documentary is clinical, incisive and sharp in its approach as it reveals to the viewer the life of the inhabitants in a small piece of land in Karnataka. Ambedkar Nagar, which started with four huts, now has close to five hundred people dwelling within its narrow by-lanes. From the idealistic and zealous voice of a young man who wants to bring education to his community, to that of a retired worker who values intelligence over everything and is apprehensive of modern education - the documentary reveals different voices. Without falling in the trap of voyeurism, romanticising or any other problematic forms of portrayal of poverty, the film manages to successfully engage with issues of class, casteism and everyday survival.

Open Doors | Pick of the Festival Circuit

The love towards a city or a place is often for the people and memories associated with it. Same is the case for two elderly woman, who were inseparable in their school days, but eventually lost touch with the passage of time. The film follows their story as they try to rekindle their friendship after thirty long years. 
The story is told through Nivedita's point of view as she tidies her house and prepares elaborate dishes for the visit of her old friend, Aruna, in their hometown of Kolkata. She finds herself smiling at random things, recollecting stories to share with her friend and dreaming about the time when they'll finally sit and share old anecdotes. 
There is comfort in the thought of letting out inner fears to a known and loved person. Finally, after umpteen preparations, the day of Aruna's arrival is here, but with a twist which leaves both, the viewers and the characters, heartbroken.

That Long Silence | Short Film Nominee

Made intelligently, the narrative is hilarious and endearing in equal measure. The story is of a young boy from Chennai who is extremely passionate about Bollywood. Hence all his efforts are directed in one direction - to move to Mumbai. While everything is taken care of for the achievement of this goal, there remains one major hurdle - his complete lack of grasp on Hindi. As he goes about trying to change the same, the narrative exhibits skilled camerawork and selection of frames, convincing performances and an efficient utilisation of limited resources. Along with being an engaging story and an authentic portrayal of a young boy from Tamil Nadu (barring a slight stereotyping of people from Bihar), the film leaves the viewer with a deeper understanding of the significance of language in people's lives which goes beyond its linguistic structure.

Other Tongue | Short Film of the Day

Astrology and finding a groom for your young, unmarried daughter are not only primary concerns in numerous Indian households, but also often go hand-in-hand, as this short film aptly portrays. It takes us into the story of Artav and Aishi and the several obstacles that come to be strewn on their path to love. Aishi is a headstrong girl who is marked by her kindness towards everyone around her. She wakes up early, exercises, practices music, works hard at her job and shares a loving bond with her family, despite their differences of opinion. Artav is an office senior who finds himself taken by her dynamic personality, and soon a sweet romance develops between the two. The love story comes into its own parallel to the astrological measures that Aishi's mom is making her daughter take for her marriage in the form of a ring. It is through the tying of these elements that the film shares its intentions with the viewer while also providing a subtle, but unequivocal comment on astrological decisions in the face of a person's kindness and good intentions. The film is marked by all the ups and downs of a romance that include opposing parents, unexpected crisis and the eventual return to stability. Number9 is an honest and sincere film which could have, however, been elevated more by a little fine-tuning in terms of its sound.

Number9 | Short Film Nominee

The lockdown forced several of us into the kitchen, even those marked by their complete absence of culinary skills. Consequently, when we found ourselves up against the wall, it was time to give it all that we had, even if only for the sake of hungry family members. The music video, cheery and sweet in its tone, is one such portrayal, taking us into the life and experiences of a father-daughter duo. A product of limited resources, and shot perhaps within the confines of a single residential space, it is an honest effort to share its energy, colours and intentions with the world. Though a little more smoothness and synchronisation in its sound department would have elevated it further, the video remains a lighthearted expression of a daughter's love for her father, and the massive role food has to play in it.

Papa Ki Mathematics | 2020 Film Challenge

When you find yourself drowning in the bleakness of the current situation of a global health crisis, perhaps the forced confinement with your family and loved ones could prove to be the life jacket you need? As structures of responsibilities and their demands collapse, maybe it's time to pay attention to hobbies, inclinations and things you had left unexplored earlier, suggests the film, attempting to invoke hope in trying times like these.

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