Meraki, a Greek word with no English counterpart, refers to that part of an artist's being, their soul, essence, that they invest in their creative endeavor. Consequently, the horizon of expectation that the short film sets for you suggests an exploration of the creative process, the artist's relationship with his work, and perhaps, the completion of a project he is portrayed to be struggling with in the first few minutes of the film. 
However, the viewer is deliberately kept unaware of the deeply disconcerting events the narrative instead is moving towards. Yes, it will be a story about writing and creating, but would it be in the manner you expect it to be? 

As the protagonist's preoccupation with a twisted idea of creativity continues to overpower his relationship with writing, the film soon becomes a thriller that does not take refuge in the shadowy world of dim-lit visuals. Instead, this is a realm of sunlight and bright frames, allowing it to accentuate its core intentions. It is not a story marked by a single, grand act of violence per se on which rides everything, instead, it is its execution and the build-up leading to it that forms the most notable aspect of the film, further enabling it to achieve all that it had set out to.

Meraki | Short Film of the Day

The Character takes its time introducing you to its world bit by bit. Time is spent on each detail, be it the meticulous cleaning of a tea-cup, enjoying a rendition of La Vie En Rose, a foreign film, or simply smoking late into the night …until the sustained calm is broken by a disturbing sound. The sole character and protagonist does a notable job of adding to the atmosphere established so far with his performance. 

Once the viewer has been made aware that mischief is truly afoot, they are given a longer glimpse into the world, one where the many complexities of the human mind are allowed articulation. Faring less only in the department of sound, The Character comes across as a devoted story of creativity and darkness, and the manner in which the two can come to be linked with one another, further allowing the fulfillment of its title as well.

The Character | Short Film Nominee

Shorted

An artist, Umair has reached a point in his life where all seems lost. There are no patrons for his art, his girlfriend Zoya has ended their relationship due to his failure to secure stability in his finances, work, or life, and soon after, an art curator tells him she won’t be able to exhibit his work at an upcoming event. 

 
At the same time, Umair discovers the artwork of a former domestic help in his house, which truly impresses the curator. While ignoring calls from a persistent caller, he does not tell the curator that the paintings do not belong to him.

All of this develops into two defining moments, one about a crucial decision that Umair has to make, a decision that would also eventually complete his character trajectory, and the other about a woman who has to choose between love and professional demands. 
The manner in which the narrative is weaved shows profound potential and earnestness, much of which also translates into the final result, even if not going all the way. At the heart of the story, however, remains the question about what would be Umair’s decision regarding the treasure trove of paintings he has found. The same keeps the viewer’s curiosity piqued throughout.

The Space in Between | Short Film Nominee

The narrative of the film is a conversation about the pitfalls of the creative process. It introduces us to the struggles of a writer who is unable to overcome self-doubt, which in turn, leaves him incapable of finding new ideas for a script. As he consumes cinema, looking for inspiration for a film of his own, he shows enough self-consciousness to be aware that he might simply be wasting all this time in the name of 'research'. However, this realization only serves to worsen the stress he is battling. The short film, thus, becomes an exploration of the turmoil that often plagues artists, the frustration of not being able to express yourself creatively, the pursuit of temporary comfort in bodily pleasures and the deep despair that eventually accompanies it. Along with the dedication to share its story, the narrative also ropes in the darkness that such a situation entails, often leaving one feeling emotionally isolated and drowning in hopelessness. And yet, all of it is tied up with an unexpected twist, as the conclusion reveals to the viewer's surprise.

Not Mine To Keep | Short Film Nominee

The short film is an attempt in engaging with several ideas, but primarily those pertaining to existence, social dynamics, and above all, creative pursuits of storytelling. The approach and tonality to explore them remain experimental. Our introduction and interaction with the world of the film is primarily by way of two characters, a man and a woman, whose names keep changing. As they indulge each other’s questions and rumination, the narrative comes into being with its many layers. The pursuit is definitely marked by its earnestness and sincerity, even if a little young in its voice and treatment of the subject matter. It sets a solid foundation for more, similar storytelling that should definitely be endeavored in the future.

Chamber of Reflection | Short Film Nominee

The film locates itself in the category of the abstract, owing to its experimental approach. It demands of the viewer complete attentiveness and full attention in order to truly enable them to engage with the narrative. Further, the story is marked by skilled visuals, and their neat tying-up with animation that allows the plot to reach completion. After presenting to the audience fast moving images of surreal colours, the film finds itself within the confines of a room where the entirety of the drama will unfold. Here the protagonist, marked by the presence of innumerable cigarette stubs next to his hand in an overflowing ashtray of sorts, struggles to address a letter to his father. Additionally, the viewer is allowed participation in his internal conflicts and dilemma, while, at the same time, concealing the true reason or cause of this turmoil. The room, also marked by pills of an unknown origin, thus offers a story of artistic struggles and internal strife, for the audience to interact and interpret in their own individual manner.

Vikalamaya | Short Film Nominee

The short film endeavours to be a celebration of creativity and all thoughts that arise (and sometimes cast off) in its pursuit. The premise is translated on screen in the form of an exchange between two crumpled pieces of paper, once ideas conjured by a person. As they lie rejected on the floor, with a trash can being their eventual destination, what surprising turn will the narrative take?

The Story of a Dumped Thought | Lockdown Film Challenge

The writing and poetry of the narrative exhibit potential, as does the brief performance presented to the viewer in this short film. The plot is premised on the struggle of its protagonist to let his thoughts as well as creativity run free in a world which has already put several binds on them. As he struggles to find freedom for his ideas by way of a pen, would he succeed at his attempts?

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