Two strangers strike an unlikely bond when they are pushed together into a circumstance in an even more unlikely manner. A pickpocket is entrapped by a young woman, also his greatest admirer, into teaching her what she views as his art and skill. 
Through the misadventures of the two, confined to a single night, the film presents a story that is marked by the devotion of its cast, a notable visual approach, and editing choices, alongside an equally complementary background score. The film remains true to its stylistic choices throughout, and though not entirely devoid of a few rough edges, the voice and storytelling exhibit not only deep potential but also freshness. 

While a pursuit that is as isolating as pickpocketing and theft is viewed as art by one, it simply remains an act of survival for the other. However, an unexpected moment of companionship is nestled within the many layers of the heist and the action that unfold before the viewer. The narrative does a sincere, meticulous job of achieving and portraying this moment.

The First Time They Spoke | Short Film Nominee

‘Reflection of Waves’ has a significant theatrical quality to it, but one which aids the narrative more than hindering it. The storytelling, in the process, becomes the most remarkable aspect of the film, along with a strong performance of the protagonist. 

The story is fairly straightforward - it is about the deep despair of a man, Alan, and how it has plagued his life for the entire sixty years of his existence. It has isolated him, made him the subject of mockery, ridicule, pity, has adversely affected his relationships, and yet, there seems to be no escape from it even after all these years and bitter experiences. The manner of portraying this is far from simple, and notably so. By using the same physical space of a house, we are introduced to Alan's past as well as the present. 

Even though it would be interesting to see a future project with tighter control on visuals, within the narrative rests an unmissable comment about mental health (perhaps depression, even though it is never explicitly stated) which is communicated through the internal turmoil of the protagonist. At the end of it all, however, would it be a sense of hope and companionship at last that would welcome Alan with open arms or would it be a brutal, gory end to his life?

Reflection of Waves | Short Film of the Day

An astronaut has found herself stranded in a remote part of the universe, far away from home. The year is 2160, and she is all by herself except for a strange presence - a solitary red rose. The image of a lone figure with only a rose as its companion immediately draws to mind the image of an iconic little boy who too had found companionship in a flower on an empty planet. The image in the viewer’s mind is further strengthened the moment we hear the astronaut’s title, the Little Prince. 
The film that subsequently comes into existence is quiet, mellow, and characterized by an intensity of emotion that is both sincere and honest. The result exhibits potential and perhaps could also be developed into a longer project exploring the many (mis?)adventures of this particular Little Prince.

The Astronaut and Her Rose | Short Film Nominee

Putting together a narrative devoid of any dialogue, the film wants to tell the story of two characters - both battling their own personal demons. If it is abject poverty for one, it is alcoholism, and financial troubles, for the other. As their paths collide, a moment of companionship is allowed to the story. This further brings in the idea of hope, and how it can be found in the most unexpected ways. Though the title of the film might first suggest that it would be a story of penury and misery, it eventually becomes one about a sense of camaraderie that allows two people to overcome their individual struggles, perhaps even allowing their existence a parallel pattern of sorts, as opposed to the idea of an arbitrary universe where things happen without cause or reason. In terms of technique, however, the film could have benefited from more lucidity and stability in its visuals.

Burden of Existence | Short Film Nominee

The short narrative is a simple and direct account of a man's unbreakable bond with his dog, Khan. Using a first-person approach, it is delivered by the subject himself. The final product employs a fixed frame to present all its intentions to the viewer. Nawab Sahab regales the viewer with stories of his adventures in the outdoors with his loyal companion who never left his side, even in the face of mortal peril. Consequently, Strolling Through the Jungles becomes a tale of friendship, love, sacrifice and an inevitable loss. As the protagonist takes a walk down the memory lane himself while sharing the story, it stirs intense emotions for him as well which, in turn, the film wants to portray for its audience.

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