The film starts at a melancholic note that makes you wonder if this particular narrative will truly stand out, and then, before you realise it, it becomes much darker and deeper than you would have expected at first glance. It should be noted that the performance by young Ruchika Goel is notable in this aspect, as is the visualisation and execution of the plot by Arnav Sharma. The poetic, but disconcerting story comes across as a sincere and dedicated endeavour to talk about a concern gaining more and more relevance in contemporary times - one of child sexual abuse. Through the tragic tale of its protagonist, the film puts forth its engagement with the topic, while also drawing the viewer's attention to this very real issue that leaves countless children extremely vulnerable and exposed to abuse and assault.

The Pain of Freedom | Short Film of the Day

The narrative does a notable job of invoking several elements and thematic concerns - childhood trauma, mental illness, battles with medication, sexual exploitation - and engages with each of them adequately. The story is of Titir, Mithi and Tirtha, childhood friends who were separated from each other by a terribly tragic event. Even though their paths may have crossed again in adulthood, their equation is far from what it used to be. 

Plagued by the many travails of time, both Mithi and Tirtha battle their own personal demons as well. The portrayal of this friendship becomes the preoccupation of the film. The film further utilizes poetry and symbolism to enhance itself, eventually leaving the viewer with a meaningful story of malice, loss, but also friendship, and loyalty.

Sleeping Pills | Short Film Nominee

Employing only a voiceover and two pairs of hands, the short film puts forth its message and all that it intends to convey. It invokes the disturbing, but relevant reality of child sexual abuse, one that mars the very innocence that childhood embodies. All of this is achieved by means of symbols and metaphors. As a little girl, fragile as a butterfly (suggested by the title of the film which translates to butterfly) plays with her crayons, drawing colourful pictures from memory, her hand is forced in a direction that is against her desire. Violence, force and sexual oppression are thus portrayed visually, using the same frames of hands, and the voiceover, reminding the viewer of the ugliness of the world they inhabit.

Poombatta | Short Film of the Day

The film attempts a sincere engagement with child sexual abuse and skilfully engages with its subject matter to put forth the story of a little girl. Without explicitly showing abuse, something that could potentially be triggering, and perhaps even voyeuristic, the film still manages to communicate its message impactfully. The child, unaware of the ugliness that this world is capable of harbouring within, craves the time and attention of her parents. However, unable to partake in that, she instead finds herself going down a far darker road that is shaped and moulded by adult depravity. The plot is an attempt to draw the viewer's attention to the breakdown of the familial structure which further exposes children to abuse, assault and molestation. It does its bit to add to the conversation, and leaves the audience with images that will stay with them long after they are done watching the film.

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