The film opens on a celebratory note - a couple reminiscing memories of their romance on their twenty-fifth anniversary. As we are introduced to more aspects of their lives, we see a happy family of four. Their socio-economic location is also immediately established, one that would come to become a crucial element in the development of the rest of the narrative. 

The positive atmosphere conjured so far is soon crashed to the ground with the news of an accident. The plot of the film thus begins to unravel, introducing us to a secret the man has kept hidden from his family for twenty five years. The narrative endeavors a conversation on homosexuality and the secrecy, stigma and prejudice that surround it, even in seemingly educated and literate sections of society. 
 
Additionally, there is the attempt to engage with the experiences of those who are immediately affected by the resultant secrecy, notably portrayed by the conundrums and dilemmas of the wife. Lastly, along with invoking the idea of a seesaw of emotions, where one never knows their position or fate in an emotional equation that takes flight from the rigid structures of society, a conversation around the rights and wrongs of a complex situation is further presented forth to the viewer by the final result.

On the Seesaw | Short Film Nominee

A couple is in the middle of a disagreement when, to the man's shock, his wife presents him with divorce papers. The end she wants to put to their relationship is abrupt and cold, but complete as she clarifies she does not even want alimony from him. However, throughout, the man comes across as unwilling to part ways. During the conversation, subtle but integral details are also revealed - the mention of a hospital visit being one. When the film finally reveals its intentions, it takes the viewer by surprise in a positive manner, leaving them with an important message about love and togetherness. Inherent to its core is also the idea of unconditional affection and accepting one another beyond superficial notions of appearances and external elements.

A Life Together | Short Film Nominee

As we get tied up in the responsibilities and the many roles that have to be played in adulthood, we often neglect, and sometimes even choose to forget, a crucial part of our identity - the innocence and lightheartedness of the child within us. It is precisely this spirit of carefreeness that keeps us going even in the most difficult circumstances, ensuring that we never lose perspective. The short film engages with these thoughts to bring to life a narrative with an unexpected course and movement. Yogi, a man in his fifties, one day stumbles across a child who refuses to leave his side. First he asks him for a lift, then he somehow finds his way to our protagonist's home where he enjoys a hearty meal. When the protagonist gets suspicious of his activities, he turns the curious child away from his house with a warning. However, as life would have it, he is still unable to sleep in peace and finds his way back to the same child again. Once he brings him back home, the two spend the night chatting, eating ice cream, until the protagonist eventually falls asleep. When Yogi wakes up in the morning, a revelatory development awaits both him and the viewer, allowing the film its final endeavor to successfully present its intentions to the viewer.

Chhotu | Short Film Nominee

It's all about perspective, is it not? And all familial conflict not be resolved by tweaking your own persective only a bit, can it not? The short film raises these questions and answers them too as the narrative unfolds. The Second Home is about a girl's journey from her maternal home to that of her in-laws. This transition might not always be smooth, but with the a little love and kindness, it can be eased into, suggests the film. It finally leaves the audience with the message to not simply call someone their daughter, but to also actually treat them like their own.

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