No obstacle is big enough in the pursuit of knowledge, proves the story of Manoj. So what he had to drop out of school owing to financial compulsions? He was relentless in his attempts to gain knowledge and found an interesting way of achieving it. As a scrap dealer of discarded paper, Manoj manages to procure innumerable books that he studies from regularly. And indeed when you are so diligently dedicated to a goal, doors sometimes unlock themselves for you. Such is the story of the protagonist of this short film by ICICI Bank which will definitely leave the viewer with a smile on their face and a desire to do better, for themselves and the world.

The Scrap Library | Short Film of the Day

The story opens and closes with a suggestion of social media, an unmissable presence that will come to pervade the entire plot in a subtle manner. It is the distance that the film covers in between that endeavors to horrify and shock the viewer. This is supplemented by the portrayal of primarily one development - the arrival of a book at the protagonist’s doorstep. It is a cozy, wintery night, the lights are dim, the room warm, and yet, it soon becomes apparent that something sinister lurks underneath this image of domesticity. Even though the film loses some points when it comes to lighting, it remains equipped with elements of storytelling that will engage and involve the viewer all along.

The Book Trend | Short Film Nominee

In its own unique manner, while also being supplemented with an upbeat, soulful song, the video shares its thought with the viewer. The protagonist, once an avid reader, has left his books and bookshelf forgotten in his past. However, will the new distraction and preoccupation, that has taken him away from reading, be a lasting one? The short film is notable in the efforts of its single-member cast and crew, and offers a narrative which is marked by an elemental quirkiness.

Habits  | Lockdown Film Challenge

The narrative is an interesting exploration of the struggle of a young man to secure himself intoxicants that he is addicted to, in the times of the coronavirus and the consequent lockdown. As he stumbles from one failed attempt to another to satiate his pressing need, where will he finally find comfort and solace?

The Good Drugs | Lockdown Film Challenge

As the coronavirus clutched the world in its grasp, it ensured our reality was altered in a lasting manner. In the face of physical distance from your loved ones and the consequent emotional isolation, it is easy to spiral into despair, shows the narrative through the lived reality of the protagonist. However, when he was left without any comfort or solace, where did he eventually find companionship during these bleak times? The story has a sweet answer to the same question.

Unlocking | Lockdown Film Challenge

The short narrative is a sweet endeavor in allowing the viewer a glimpse into the life of a bibliophile. Consequently, the story becomes a portrayal of the many ways in which different books, stories and their characters have influenced the protagonist and her own life and experiences. Thought the final product exhibits efficient use of space, and lights and shadows, fine-tuning of its visuals would have allowed it to be more than what it already is.

Booked... With the Pages | Lockdown Film Challenge

The film adopts a poetic approach to talk about relationships, the nature of love and how it transforms people. As the drama unfolds on screen, it is coupled with a first-person voiceover. The young man recounts the experiences of his parents and how they fell in love, while interweaving it with his own understanding of romance. Though it could have benefited from a little stability in its visuals, the film remains a sweet endeavour.

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