The film is a lovely comment on the futility and obsolete nature of some institutions and belief systems that constitute our society. It does the same not by being self-indulgent or mawkish, but by simply presenting a single conversation between two women. As a job interview is executed, the film’s intentions are allowed articulation. 

The plot remains lucid and engaging throughout, while also making all its intentions clear in a concise and crisp manner. The job interview itself is not one that the viewer would expect, and it is in this first sense of surprise, or perhaps even unease, that the message of the film is pronounced loudly and emphatically.

Not Done Yet | Short Film of the Month

The short film is a lovely, quiet delineation of the struggle of two men in Mumbai. It draws a wonderful and intelligent parallel between the stories of Rahi and Gurpreet who both moved to the city of dreams in pursuit of success in their respective careers. The intelligence of the narrative becomes most pronounced when it addresses the notions and deeply-set structures of class in the Indian society while talking about these characters. Despite the difference in their societal location, both Rahi and Gurpreet have similar battles to fight and demons to overcome that threaten to devour their hopes and aspirations. The film is a well-rounded product with elegant camerawork, strong performances and effortlessly smooth story-telling. If all of this wasn't sufficient to make it succeed, it further manages to make a deeply moving point about professional obstacles, class divisions and chasing your dreams, without making its propositions preachy, didactic or blatant.

Gunta  | Short Film of the Month

Tara is a dedicated, hardworking professional who takes care of all her duties. She spends long hours busy with a very demanding job, one that leaves little to no time for a life outside of office. Her flatmate Sakshi is quick to point this out, but all her imploring falls on deaf ears. However, alongside this, we are also given a glimpse into another aspect of Tara’s life. She is an aspiring writer who seems to share a special bond with the city she lives in, Mumbai. 

 Characters like her mother, a friend called Aman, both of whom we never see beyond phone calls, and of course the city itself, all form crucial parts of this existence as we are taken deeper and deeper into it. The final result is a soft echo of them brought to life, presenting a story about pursuing one’s dreams while being rooted in a practical world. Though the film stands to gain from a firmer hold on sound, on the whole, it remains an honest, well-meaning story.

In a Nutshell | Short Film Nominee

As a conversation progresses between a man and his daughter, several wounds of the past, as well as comments about societal and familial demands and expectations, are brought to life by the film. Their exchange presents two opposing opinions that include a binary between passion and practicality. The daughter’s desire to pursue a career in dance is contrasted against the father’s pragmatic concerns about a stable financial and professional future for her. 

However, as both characters discuss their respective sides, they also offer self-reflection that critiques where both of them went wrong, instead of choosing a more balanced approach to their desires and plans. The narrative, thus, presents a relevant discussion on all of the aforementioned issues, eventually concluding with an unexpected development.

Preeti | Short Film Nominee

The music video employs the lyricism of a rap song to share its concerns with the viewer. In the process, it becomes a comment on the fixation of a large portion of the Indian population with Bollywood. In their mindless and obsessive pursuit of fame, success and glory, they choose an exhausting struggle of financial trouble, distance from their loved ones and the abandonment of a life of certainty and stability. The video further questions the nature of this pursuit, using fast-paced visuals of several characters in varied situations, all portraying the hustle of the City of Dreams.

Bollywood Meri Jaan | Short Film Nominee

The short film makes its premise clear right at the start - the constant struggle to choose between following your dreams and pursuing a practical, more lucrative option. It communicates the same to the viewer through the experiences of a young man who is an aspiring culinary professional. His labyrinthine path is strewn with all sorts of obstacles, disappointments and the tempting desire to give in. The story is further narrated by a voiceover as the visuals continue to roll. However, amidst the constant push and pull of hopes and dreams, as well as familial and societal expectations, what choice would the protagonist finally make?

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links