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

Get ready for a thriller set in the Tulu forest of Karnataka that will keep you at the edge of your seat throughout. Paroksh, which means the invisible, pushes the boundaries of short films with its proper three act structure of setup, confrontation and resolution. The film does a wonderful job of exploring how we fear the unknown, and wins full points for the unpredictability of the plot and the manner in which it unfolds. Based on a true story, the film also has a subtle, but pertinent social message at the end.

Paroksh | Short Film of the Day

The short film by Drishyam Films takes us into a single day in the life of a farmer in Karnataka. The film is set in 2016, soon after the legalisation of guns for farmers in the state to protect their crops from wild boars. The narrative critiques the decision and the ramifications that ensued. There are no dialogues in the film between the protagonists, the story is weaved together by skilled cinematography and editing instead, making the viewer forget completely about the absence of words. It further draws attention to the fact that while decisions might be reached by those in power, debated by those who cannot change them, those who are truly affected by them have little to say in this regard. The protagonist of the film listens to the news of legalisation of weapons on his radio with casual indifference. The day's tasks are taken care of with the same nonchalance that must have been employed on every other day before then. The decision will affect him in far serious ways than he realises and yet do little to change the reality of the world he inhibits.

Bete (Hunt) | Short Film of the Day

Several comments rest within 'The Last Time I Saw The Moon', most important of them all being about identity. The narratorial exploration of the same ensures that notions of identity of the protagonist reach an overlap with that of the town he inhabits. The two entities are thus allowed a simultaneous progression. 

While one faces the imminent threat of urbanization and demolition of shops and houses in the name of change and widening of roads, the other is denied the most primary, basic marker of his identity, his name. Chandra, dismissed and maltreated by the entire town as the local lunatic, fights a battle as desperate as that of the beloved town itself where people are ready to protest against the road construction. And yet, they remain apathetic and indifferent to Chandra’s plight. 

 
The film invokes a calm, quiet, notable exploration of the complexities that afflict the circumstance. However, whether the town, as well as Chandra, will be overwhelmed by tumultuous waves or would they find a way to brave them, remains the question crucial to its core.

The Last Time I Saw The Moon | Short Film Nominee

The film exhibits efficient use of the same, limited space to convey emotions defined by thrill, horror and violence. The scene presented to us is of an interrogation. A senior forest official investigates a case where the main culprit, Raja, a bandit leader, was apprehended three months ago. Soon after the arrest and taking Raja and his men into custody, however, some terrible developments came to be. It is simply by way of the conversation that follows between the two men that a sense of deep unease is created within the viewer, suggesting that a force more sinister than what you may have realized at first glance, plagues the world of the film. The interrogation moves forth, as shadows continue to darken, threatening to overwhelm the characters before us. When the final revelation arrives, they have reached a point from where there is no turning back. It would be interesting to see subsequent parts of the story, or a longer project based on the same premise that would allow it to develop to its full potential.

Ondhu Kaadina Madhyadholage | Short Film of the Day

Working in the film industry as a costume designer, the protagonist, Aarti finds herself in a sore, difficult position as the caretaker of both, a paralysed husband, and an incompetent father. The father barely helps Aarti with the daily chores and is reluctant to contribute to Arvind’s care, convinced that his recovery is beyond the realm of possibility. 
Meanwhile, Aarti toils throughout the day, balancing both professional and personal duties. In a later conversation, the father reveals his disapproval of Aarti's choice to still support her husband, and therefore denying herself the opportunity to live in comfort as a homemaker. Where there is a disconnect between the duo regarding true independence and love for cinema and embroidery, a safe space of understanding and shared interest lies with the husband for the protagonist. Through the progression of all of these events, the film weaves an endearing story of unconditional support and a determined struggle.

Kasuti | Short Film Nominee

The film does a skilled job of conjuring its atmosphere with both a peppy background score and stylistic decisions. The story itself is complete with financial burdens, familial conflict, and above all, a random, absurd development that completely alters the fate of the protagonist. 

A series of unlikely elements come to overlap one afternoon. The disgruntled protagonist, after immense emotional and familial strife, has turned up at his regular fishing haunt which disappoints him every day. However, today he finds something strange. Unfortunately, this discovery is also coupled with two uninvited onlookers, and thus, follows a complete unraveling of events. In the process, the film offers an entertaining and engrossing end result, maintaining its tone and approach throughout.

Bangude | Short Film Nominee

The film opens on a promising note, one that immediately sets an intriguing premise in place. A worried woman is trailing a car, soon followed by a phone call she makes to an undisclosed recipient. Once the story has the viewer's attention, it allows itself to follow a non-linear trajectory, taking the viewer a little back in time to give them a glimpse of an average household of a married couple and their young son. The strongest aspect of the film is its storytelling which takes its time revealing its core intentions to the audience. By invoking the several complexities of marriage, it further offers a significant comment about sexuality and desire between two people and how it often comes to be forced into strict categories and boxes of the normative. Further, the film is well-intentioned and puts forth a strong attempt to talk about a relevant concern. While at first glance it is about fidelity and relationships, there is a deeper, much-needed comment waiting beyond the initial impression made by the narrative. The ending, however, while sufficient for some viewers, might exhibit a want of a more definite closure for others.

RGB | Short Film of the Day

‘Neene’ is a seamless music video that brings to life a story of friendship, love, longing, and eventually, heartbreak. All of these emotions are portrayed in an effortless manner by the protagonist Dhanu. 

In love with his neighbor and childhood best friend Aditi for over a decade, he is finally mustering the courage to tell her the truth. As we await Dhanu's confession of love, we are further introduced to the equation shared between the two. It is marked by joy, laughter, ease and affection. All of this is presented to the viewer by notable visuals, tied with equally complementary vocals. However, would Dhanu’s hopes and intentions materialize as planned? The question remains intrinsic to the narrative, and is eventually answered at its conclusion.

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