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 story is of an Arjun and an Indra, of magical stones and a disappeared boy. Add to it Radhika Apte in one of her most alluring avatars as a convincing coquette, and the short film is bound to catch your attention. The setting is the house of an artist somewhere in West Bengal. One afternoon a police officer visits him regarding the disappearance of a boy called Arjun who was last known to have met him. The mystery of the missing boy which is introduced to the viewer is taut with the sexual tension between the police officer and the young wife of his ageing host. The plot is the overarching force that drives this film, a modern day take on the myth of Ahalya in which the power structures have been reversed. Further, the narrative is weaved most seamlessly by skilled performances of its three actors.

Ahalya | Short Film of the Day

A young man sits in a cafe, watching a girl from a distance as he draws her on paper. The discovery of her sketches in his notebook are bewildering for her and she threatens to call the police on him. However, once he hands over the sketches to her and she concludes he's harmless, she lets it go. Soon, another encounter throws them in together and frequent meetings follow thereafter, further nurturing their budding love story. However, beyond coffee dates and being smitten with each other, lies another narrative, one of nightmares and dark secrets. As the two get intertwined more tightly, are they headed down a path of no return?

Masterpiece | Short Film of the Day

Shorted

An artist, Umair has reached a point in his life where all seems lost. There are no patrons for his art, his girlfriend Zoya has ended their relationship due to his failure to secure stability in his finances, work, or life, and soon after, an art curator tells him she won’t be able to exhibit his work at an upcoming event. 

 
At the same time, Umair discovers the artwork of a former domestic help in his house, which truly impresses the curator. While ignoring calls from a persistent caller, he does not tell the curator that the paintings do not belong to him.

All of this develops into two defining moments, one about a crucial decision that Umair has to make, a decision that would also eventually complete his character trajectory, and the other about a woman who has to choose between love and professional demands. 
The manner in which the narrative is weaved shows profound potential and earnestness, much of which also translates into the final result, even if not going all the way. At the heart of the story, however, remains the question about what would be Umair’s decision regarding the treasure trove of paintings he has found. The same keeps the viewer’s curiosity piqued throughout.

The Space in Between | Short Film Nominee

The narrative of the film is a conversation about the pitfalls of the creative process. It introduces us to the struggles of a writer who is unable to overcome self-doubt, which in turn, leaves him incapable of finding new ideas for a script. As he consumes cinema, looking for inspiration for a film of his own, he shows enough self-consciousness to be aware that he might simply be wasting all this time in the name of 'research'. However, this realization only serves to worsen the stress he is battling. The short film, thus, becomes an exploration of the turmoil that often plagues artists, the frustration of not being able to express yourself creatively, the pursuit of temporary comfort in bodily pleasures and the deep despair that eventually accompanies it. Along with the dedication to share its story, the narrative also ropes in the darkness that such a situation entails, often leaving one feeling emotionally isolated and drowning in hopelessness. And yet, all of it is tied up with an unexpected twist, as the conclusion reveals to the viewer's surprise.

Not Mine To Keep | Short Film Nominee

The film locates itself in the category of the abstract, owing to its experimental approach. It demands of the viewer complete attentiveness and full attention in order to truly enable them to engage with the narrative. Further, the story is marked by skilled visuals, and their neat tying-up with animation that allows the plot to reach completion. After presenting to the audience fast moving images of surreal colours, the film finds itself within the confines of a room where the entirety of the drama will unfold. Here the protagonist, marked by the presence of innumerable cigarette stubs next to his hand in an overflowing ashtray of sorts, struggles to address a letter to his father. Additionally, the viewer is allowed participation in his internal conflicts and dilemma, while, at the same time, concealing the true reason or cause of this turmoil. The room, also marked by pills of an unknown origin, thus offers a story of artistic struggles and internal strife, for the audience to interact and interpret in their own individual manner.

Vikalamaya | Short Film Nominee

The protagonist of the film is an artist, but not without his past trauma. He is a troubled man who spends his time in isolation, with only his sketches, and the conversations they have with him, for company. Things take a turn for the worse when one day he gets an unexpected call from a long-time friend, and he calls him over. 
Soon, the narrative comes to consist of an immediate threat of violence, and perhaps even a sense of righteous vengeance. There is a suggestion of men who are cruel to women in some form or another, while also subtly tying it with the protagonist’s own past tragedy and loss. 
Additionally, poetry is roped into the mix to bring this reality to life. The film is not entirely without some hiccups when it comes to sound mixing, but it still manages to convey all its intentions with clarity. The edit and visuals further play a significant role in combining the many elements together.

The Sketchbook | Short Film Nominee

The film invokes different circumstances, each defined by its own distinctive texture and sentiment, to present its story to you. An image of violence gives way to a strange exchange between two men in an unusual location. Their conversation includes ideas of power, wealth, love, relationships, and some more. 
The philosophical engagement becomes the core of the narrative, further coupled with what it means to be an artist, more specifically, a writer. The many components are thus tied together in a sincere endeavor, painting a world that aims to move from one aspect of human nature to another, from creativity and madness to violence.

Odd | Short Film Nominee

The film is an earnest glimpse into the struggles of three cinema professionals who are awaiting some form of return on their labors. By introducing us to Faizan, Varun, and Raju, the story constructs this reality for us in a sincere, authentic manner. 

The struggles of the characters further reveal the exploitation that is inherent in an industry modeled on taking advantage of people’s dreams and creative pursuits. The film’s visual development wavers a little sometimes, but the performances and the dedication of the cast and crew help it overcome this. 

A life of debt and disturbing financial and emotional uncertainty is invoked in the process. However, despite all the hardship and disillusionment, the message that remains central to the narrative, plot, and thus, the writing of the end result, is one of perseverance and hope. Even in the face of having hit rock bottom, the mustering of strength and finding that the only way is up become the firm string that ties the film together.

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