The film opens with a horrifying tale involving demonic cults, human sacrifice, and a malicious spirit called Neelikaattan. In a village on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, a failed ritual about three decades ago left a village with missing children and blood on their hands, or so go the myths and legends about it. 

Now, two young filmmakers from Chennai make their way to the village to make a film on it. They are assisted by a local helper, Esakki who takes them around, acquainting them with their whereabouts. As the two begin their own exploration, a strange presence, a sage, appears at strategic moments, warning them to leave the village at once, before disappearing as quickly as he had appeared. 

The film presents a devoted effort in constructing its world for you, alongside the ambiance. The prop support especially strives to make it convincing for the viewer, coupled with a sincere conjuring of the screenplay and storytelling. As for our filmmakers, should they listen to the advice of this unlikely character, or is their fate truly sealed?

Slaves | Short Film Nominee

Inspired by true events executed by the infamous Zodiac serial killer, the film follows a masterful and slick copycat, terrorising primarily women. The hooded, devious weapon-bearer has a flair for the dramatic- he appreciates being challenged and yearns for his ‘victories’ to be publicized. 

After a string of gruesome murders, the killer has now set out to try new tricks for luring his victims and deceiving the authorities. One night, the police receive a distressed call. A scared, helpless man reaches out to the emergency helpline service, 911, and narrates the ordeal of hiding in the confines of his house, while an intruder attacks his family members. 

 It should be noted that the film's choice of its setting, characters, and a rescue operation that is entirely confined to the US in its portrayal, comes across as being incompatible with the rest of the narrative, especially for a story that is set in a country far from the West, with an Indian cast and crew. However, as for the hapless hostage, will the authorities be able to outsmart the perpetrator and rescue him in time?

911 | Short Film Nominee

A story of three women, the film portrays a very unlikely and unexpected situation that brings three strangers together and alters the course of their day in a seismic way. The film's world is primarily that of women - those who support, help and empower each other. In the process, the characters find themselves overcoming massive obstacles and achieving their heart's deepest desires. The drama and emotions are also employed in an attempt to invoke humour as the characters move forward to mitigate and control a potential tragedy. Rukmini, an insurance company employee, finds out that someone is in a dire situation after having met with an accident, and she is the only source of help he has available. After managing to secure no aid from the police station or the nearby hospital, she somehow ends up roping in Sreeja, followed by Mahalakshmi, in this endeavour. The film also wants to be a representation of different kinds of lives and lifestyles in the city of Bangalore which is full of people from various cultural and linguistic parts of the country. The narrative seems to over-pronounce their distinct accents and borders on the territory of stereotypes in its portrayal. However, on the whole, it comes across as a well-intentioned product, willing to tell a story of finding strength and community in one another irrespective of your location in society.

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