The documentary presents a concise, but compelling account of the many tribal identities in Wayanad, Kerala. Along with offering a glimpse into the many threads that make up this whole, which is far from being a monolithic entity, it further introduces the viewer to the efforts of those who are trying to conserve primarily the linguistic aspect of it. For instance, as the narrative portrays for the viewer, each tribe had songs for different occasions. These songs, in the process, became their history, and the loss of these tunes and rhymes is tantamount to a huge loss of a cultural identity we might never get back. The film draws your attention to all of these aspects of a society that operates and thrives far from our urban existence, and retains all the lyricism and poetry of its subject while doing so. The visuals of the film are especially beautiful and are thereby able to support its subject matter efficiently, allowing the final product to be an engrossing and insightful documentary.

Kanavu  | Short Film of the Month

Along the banks of the holy Ganga, the historical city of Varanasi acts as the backdrop for the film, Taam. Life of three characters belonging to separate generations, during a trying time of deconstruction of the authentic, cultural city is depicted through the short narrative. 

The oldest in the family, a Brahmin pujari who spent a lifetime practising his religion on the ghats of the river, is now being forced to leave the very alleyways he was born into, the ancestral, mystical walls which hold fond memories of his deceased wife. Amidst the constant movement of the several forces tugging at each other, his son tries to straddle the political and the social aspects of the ensuing developments. 

The protagonist is pained at the loss of the city, but is accepting of the resulting compensation- one which is deemed necessary for the survival of their family. Lastly, the innocent boy, still learning the trade, ends up meeting the cruel realities of the world he exhibits. Allowing all of these elements to play themselves out against the several warring factions of society, the film provides insight into life in Varanasi. The many undercurrents of totalitarianism, caste, religion and abuse are further allowed portrayal within the narrative, enabling it to finally tie them together as a cohesive whole.

Taam | Short Film of the Day

When we talk of tourism and travel, Sri Lanka is a wonderful destination that deserves to be engaged with. The short documentary film is an emphasise of the same thought, taking the viewer on this virtual journey across the country. During the course of the narrative, it invokes several elements and factors inherent to it and its cultural fabric. They from Lord Buddha's spiritual heritage to its rich rice cultivation to its vividly bright sunsets to its diverse cuisine. The film endeavours to capture it all for the viewer, in the process, introducing them to the several hues of this beautiful country, especially more comforting a respite in a locked down world where the only way we can experience travel is on screen.

Sri Lanka | Short Film Nominee

The film essentially wants to be a conversation on tradition and modernity, choosing to locate itself in the cultural ethos of Tamil Nadu. It brings up jallikattu, a traditional event of the state which made headlines in the country as protests erupted against it in the recent past. It also wants to communicate the message about preserving your cultural inheritance for overall progress and growth of an identity that is rooted in that culture. However, the film only offers its desires, intention, and the problems that obstruct them. It initiates a dialogue, but does not cover the entire distance of providing definite solutions for the same. Perhaps this aspect could be explored further by the filmmaker in their future projects.

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