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

The film is embellished with a calm background score, the same tranquility in its pacing, and above all, a reminder to inculcate kindness in a world that is struggling to keep itself together amidst a global pandemic. It opens on a note the viewers would be familiar with - a forced confinement to their homes in order to keep themselves safe in the wake of a reality afflicted by coronavirus. As the protagonist struggles with scarcity of supplies and the general uncertainty that has come to plague our times, there is an important sentiment and attribute he has not yet forgotten. Omelette is a reminder of the same, while concluding with an endearing, warmth-inducing message.

Omelette | Short Film of the Day

‘Leo’ takes you into its world slowly-steadily. Without employing any dialogue, it introduces us to the daily, mundane life of the protagonist as he moves from one task to another. However, the silence soon becomes oppressive enough to suggest a sense of melancholy shaping all his actions. The story eventually becomes one of loss, grief and the fond remembrance of a friend who is no longer present. Despite its limited resources, the film reveals efficient utilization of the same, along with shot composition that shows investment of thought. On the whole, the narrative becomes a quiet, heartfelt conversation on heartache, longing, and the eventual moving on.

Leo | Short Film Nominee

The documentary introduces us to the work and efforts of Amit Sehgal, the founder of Jeev Aashraya. Founded in Lucknow, Uttar Pradhesh in 2011, with its name translating to animal shelter/refuge, the NGO works towards protecting and rehabilitating animals. With the ideology of taking care of all creatures on earth at its heart, from horses to monkeys to dogs, to only name a few, the organization strives to do its best, shares Sehgal. 

 Though the end result of the film could have been tighter for greater impact, it remains well-meaning and dedicated all along. It also presents to the viewer a deeply involving and engaging subject who single-handedly regales them with his many stories and experiences.

Truth and Fiction | Short Film Nominee

Ensconced within the wilderness of Madhya Pradesh is the Pench National Park where the film takes us. The park is home to hundreds of different types of birds, as well as scores of animals. With only a small percentage available for tourism, for endeavors like the safari we go on with the film, the rest of the park remains the abode to predators and their prey, to the grazing herbivores as well as the many colorful birds. The film introduces us to the beautifully balanced ecosystem of the space, with special moments like the sighting of a 14-year-old tigress with a limp in her paw. 

A conversation around the preservation of the ecosystem, along with fighting man-made problems like poaching, and natural disasters like cyclones and storms is also presented to the viewer. Tying its visual progression with stills sometimes takes away some of the narrative's seamlessness. Perhaps more mood shots of the space itself could have enhanced this aspect. On the whole, however, the film remains a long, heartfelt glimpse into a marvelous pocket of nature and the community that supports and nurtures it.

The Land of the Jungle Book | Short Film Nominee

The world of 'Sinthri' is intended to mislead the viewer with its apparent frivolity at first glance. However the story it eventually wants to tell is much darker and violent. The moment the crux of the plot arrives, there is no looking away. 

A herder has allowed one of the animals to wander away too far. Now, his employer’s son has taken it upon himself to find the missing animal, or run into immense trouble with his father. The simple act of looking for Sinthri, the buffalo, takes him down a shocking path. 

Though the film could have been tighter, it remains intriguing throughout. It offers a zealous endeavor in constructing this world, complete with its sinister and malicious elements, in the process, leaving the viewer with a disturbing world of rituals, sacrifices and a seemingly regular day gone terribly wrong for the protagonist.

Sinthri | Short Film Nominee

The non-fiction documents a traveler’s experience at the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Visuals of the wild are mingled with a narration to introduce the viewer to the many inhabitants of the park that range from lions to hyenas, to name a few. 
The attempt is to present nature in all its glory, resilience, and magnanimity. The choice of music with the scenes unfolding before the viewer presents an involving result. However, the narration is unable to support it all the way. Having said that, the lovely visual drama remains consistent throughout, offering an earnest narrative at the end of it all.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links