The manner in which conflict comes to influence and mould human experience is unmistakable, and perhaps even grand in its grotesqueness. Another aspect that matches the scale of this control and power is art - perhaps the Yin to this Yang. Art in conflict-ridden areas comes to constitute the other inescapable and undeniable part of reality. The short film is an exploration and portrayal of this proposition. The documentary locates itself in Kashmir, a geographical space that has been ravaged by militancy, consequent violence and political tussles for over three decades now. The voices it brings within its fold to amplify its message are loud and clear, unequivocal and strong in the comments they want to make. This, in turn, allows the narrative not only a lucidity of thought, a clarity of communication, but also a poignancy that touches the very core of the viewer, irrespective of the side of the conflict they locate themselves on. Inherent to the film is another message for the optimistic viewer, one about the undeniable nature of art and the many ways in which it brings solace and comfort to many- be it in the form of a much-needed expression of grief, or a messenger for the views they want to share with society, in the form of hope that warms them amidst the stony coldness of a disturbing reality or in the clarion call it can potentially become for a revolution. Lastly, Raqs-e-Inquilab, or Dance of Revolution, achieves its final triumph in the very specific manner and tonality it adopts to tie art and conflict together, an endeavour that has been attempted previously as well by several storytellers, filmmakers and artists, but with few results as notable as this documentary film.

Raqs-e-Inquilab | Short Film of the Month

A short film, more often than nought, is a moment frozen in time. Bebasee reaffirms this premise by simply introducing the viewer to the helplessness of a woman, as the title suggests, without weighing itself down with the whys and hows of it. An exploration of the familial space and the domestic conflict that resides within it, the film begins and ends in medias res, but still manages to offer a complete narrative, irrespective of the stage the story is located at. It opens on a note marked by high tension, one which is fraught with conflict and anxiety, gradually simmering down, allowing the plot an organic movement. In its short duration, the film packs a powerhouse of a story. Marked by its crispness, and without wasting a single moment, the story is shared with the viewer in an impactful manner. The frames and camera angles exhibit intelligence and thought, allowing the film to succeed not only at the level of story and creativity, but also technique and skill. Further enhanced by a seamlessness that is a reflection of the director's maturity at handling the subject, and notable chemistry of its young cast, the film becomes a well-rounded, balanced product.

Bebasee | Short Film of the Day

The film constructs its world in an interesting manner, not revealing all its cards at first glance. When it opens, a baby and a man are present in a room. As they are soon joined by a woman, the picture of a family seems to be complete. However, only momentarily, and thus, the core conflict of this marriage is revealed to the viewer. 
Tara and Neel are about to head out for a baby shower, but it is the lead-up to this moment, primarily constituted by irritability and disagreements over small things like getting ready in time or buying the present for the imminent party, that reveals the true anxieties and stressors within the marriage. The film is marked by smooth performances, and storytelling that succeed in bringing this circumstance to life.

Parnu | Short Film of the Day

The short film is a very relevant comment on parenting and the manner in which household conflict can affect children. The frames are elegant and are supplemented by a convincing performance of the young protagonist. The narrative uses an approach which shows no adult faces, perhaps invoking a sense of isolation for a child in a world wrought by adult disagreement and turmoil. It further uses the metaphor of an earthquake to convey to the audience the sense of panic parental discord invokes in a child. The product is seamless and touches upon several issues that include anger, anxiety, panic attacks and loneliness in children. It is further a reminder of being wary of how adults behave around them.

Muddu Mudduga | Short Film of the Day

The documentary takes us into the first-hand experience of Vansh Pandita, a Kashmiri Pandit, who returns to his ancestral village for the first time since his family left it in April 1990. The subsequent narrative that comes to life is heartfelt and marked by true earnestness. It is weaved with care and emotion and exhibits notable potential in terms of storytelling and portraying the world based on the protagonist’s interactions. 
The journey commences to usher in crucial perspectives about what it means to leave a home behind, and the deep scars that follow, some of which perhaps can never heal. At the same time, a sense of indomitable hope for a better future, one marked by newer, younger voices, and their dreams and aspirations, never truly leaves the film. All of these together ensure meaningfulness and sincerity in the endeavor, one that paves the path for many more to come.

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