In an ideal world, all religions have one name and that's faith. It unites all devotees and believers with a common thread, and this short film gives us a glimpse of this perfect universe. Hind takes the viewer into the life of Noorul Hasan, a Muslim from Lucknow, who gave away a part of his house to rebuild a temple. In a world which is constantly in the grasp of hate-mongering and sensationalist headlines, this film by Sumit Aroraa is the kind of art we need. Even in the face of all communal disharmony being perpetrated by a few for their own motives, there is another aspect of the picture which is more colourful and beautiful and therefore should be looked at closely. It's these colours that Hind will draw your attention to, and leave you with a sense of hope and love, irrespective of how dark things may seem.

Hind | Short Film of the Day

Trigger Warning: Graphic Content 

The film is a poignant and inspiring narrative about an organisation that rescues animals in the Indian city of Raipur. It takes the viewer into the lives of the founder and her small, but dedicated team who works tirelessly and relentlessly, even in the face of all obstacles, be it financial, societal (linked to the gender of the volunteers, for instance) or beyond. The documentary is deeply moving, heartwarming, emotional, endearing and impactful, all in equal measure. What started as an unexpected set of events when the founder, dressed in her finery and about to head to a social gathering, found an injured dog on a street, has now become a force to be reckoned with. Inherent to the core of the film is the message of kindness and doing your bit, despite hurdles like limited resources, unawareness, ignorance or just plain indifference of those around you, and the sacrifices that such an endeavour often demands. The film undeniably has a very powerful story to share, one that should be spread far and wide, for the betterment of the world we live in. All of this is further tied up with technical skill to make the narrative even more impactful. Vaatika is marked by its beautiful visuals (though some of them would be too graphic for sensitive viewers), seamless editing, crispness of narrative, eloquent interviewees and the deep, sincere desire to create something meaningful.

Vaatika | Short Film Nominee

Getting rapping to Mumbai streets is this 25-year-old artist Naved Shaikh (aka Naezy). Trying to turn away from a life of delinquency, young Naved found himself turning to poetry. Soon his father gifted him an iPad, and since then there has been no turning back. Posited between his religious identity, the expectations of his parents and his love for rapping in the vernacular, Naved attempts to use hip hop to fight regressive ideologies and bring change in society. The short film narrates the struggles of an aspiring artist in the most honest and skilful manner. It's visual language is in direct relation with the music created by the protagonist on his iPad. While Bombay 70, titled thus after the part of Mumbai Naved comes from, introduces the viewer to the rapper, it also manages to incorporate his music and art with its narration and storytelling, making it a well-rounded, wholesome product.

Bombay 70 | Short Film of the Day

The video is a visual treat of the most stunning transitions and beautiful shots used to introduce the viewer to the Pink City of Jaipur. As two foreigners go about the city, experiencing its cuisine, music, art and culture, the camera follows them closely, swiftly and smoothly moving from one space to another. The film exhibits skilful writing and construction of the narrative with its carefully planned cinematography which refuses to falter at any point throughout the entire film. Despite its short length, the film packs a powerhouse of expertise and an eye for conjuring a strong narrative.

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