'Shades of a Kite' brings to the screen a powerful narrative about a haunted house and the manner in which it threatens the safety of a family that has recently moved there. Anna, a single mother, shifts to a house in a new city with her three-year-old daughter. The film unfolds to reveal a sense of deep disconcertment which is achieved with dimly lit visuals, marked by their deliberate instability to disorient the viewer. The handheld shots when combined with the greys on screen produce an unease, and the invocation of this very sentiment allows the film to be successful in its endeavor to be a horror story. 

In terms of thought, the plot draws attention to differing ideas that conform to science and spirituality, the question of the supernatural in the logical world of mental health experts. All of this is further enhanced by beautiful animation that adds a new dimension to the story. When coupled with notable graphics and convincing performances, the film indeed becomes a successful product as well as an enjoyable viewing experience for all horror enthusiasts.

Shades of a Kite | Short Film of the Month

Some short films are so wonderfully made that you know they will stay with you for a long time. Chotti, with its beautiful exploration of a mother-daughter relationship, is a perfect example of that. Written and directed by Akansha Seda, this Culture Machine production stars Lillete Dubey, Ira Dubey and Sarah Hashmi. Strong performances, skilled cinematography, soulful storytelling and brilliant writing of the narrative come together to portray how dynamic, fiery and endearing a mother-daughter equation can be. Watch very closely because you don't want to miss any part of this lovely story and the sophisticated manner in which all of it ties up very neatly at the end.

Chotti | Short Film of the Day

Methi Ke Laddoo is a story of two sisters who are polar opposites of each other, and how sometimes jealousy can creep in over issues that are totally not in our hand. But thank god for Indian mothers, who have dish for every occasion and a solution to every problem. Watch this light hearted drama now.

Methi Ke Laddoo | Short Film of the Day

The short film is funny, endearing and moving in equal measure. A teenaged girl gets her first period. While her mother, a gynaecologist, is at work, the only other adult at home is her father. His unpreparedness, but willingness to help, the girl's initial inability to understand what's going on and the mother's successful attempts of normalising menstruation - all fit in the narrative most smoothly. There is a little coming-of-age present hidden away by her mother at home that helps her get past it all, and finally manage to smile. The father, after educating himself using the good, old internet, is also ready with a hot water bottle and a chocolate dessert. In a country like India, where a majority of mothers consider periods 'dirty' and fathers choose to remain unaware, Her First Time carries a relevant message - to accept menstruation as a normal, biological process.

Her First Time | Short Film of the Day

Sometimes it's the simplest stories that touch us most deeply. Cuddly affirms this by giving us a glimpse into the lives of a mother and her daughter. In an effortless manner, the film gives an account of one evening, which is perhaps the representative of their entire relationship. Convincing performances by Neena Kulkarni and Shruti Vyas, along with Karan Shetty's competent direction, add to it greatly. A mother may not always understand her child's decision, especially those pertaining to her education and profession, yet her love remains unconditional. In the same vein, Cuddly becomes a winning portrayal of a mother's unwavering support, despite her inability to familiarise herself with all aspects of her daughter's life.

Cuddly | Short Film of the Day

The narrative, carried forth powerfully by Girish Kulkarni, is about a conversation between a father and his daughter. The walk back from her school is captured most effortlessly in mostly a single take (barring the few cuts towards the end). The chemistry between Kulkarni and Gauri Sudarshan Deshpande is an endearing one as the father attempts to engage his daughter in a conversation. With other concerns on her mind she, on the other hand, is edgy and distanced. The film talks about an important social issue, and does it in a nuanced manner, without spelling anything out. What transpires between the girl and her father regarding the problem is confined to whispers the viewer is not privy to. Further, the film is a beautiful comment on parenting and single fathers who are bringing up their daughters in a world that attempts to restrict the latter at every stage of their life.

Arre Baba | Short Film of the Day

‘Valu’ is a film about the human condition that is marked by the constant struggle to survive, more so if you are responsible for another life, as in the case of the protagonist. A farmer grapples with water shortages while trying to somehow make ends meet for his young daughter. Employing this circumstance, and the many tribulations that constitute it, the film offers a sharp look into his life. 

 The dearth of water affecting his crops is man-made, brought about as a result of theft and illegal trade of sand. When he attempts to get his situation addressed by those who are in positions of power, and thus capable of checking it, a truly unexpected development arrives. 

The film portrays all of this for us minus any frills and fanfare and sustains a frugality of dialogue throughout. Consequently, at its conclusion, a comment is offered not by the things that are said, but instead by the thoughts that are left unsaid in their silence.

Valu | Short Film of the Month

When an old woman walks into a room where a young girl, her granddaughter, is dressed in all her glory, who do you think should wear the necklace in the woman's hands? If you are going to subscribe to accepted societal standards, you will stand corrected. This crisp ad film shatters rigid ideas related to age and beauty, and achieves all of it in under a minute.

Taiyaar Sabko Hona Hota Hai | Short Film of the Day

When it's time to visit the family, it's also time to confront parents' disagreement with lifestyle choices, nosy neighbours and your mother's failed attempts to contain gossip. Phuljhadi is a film which delineates all of this and more. From adoption to a mother-daughter conflict - the film touches upon them all. Aprajita is a working professional who has adopted a girl and this Diwali is the first time she's coming to her grandparents' house. Will it be a emotional reunion or a bitter goodbye?

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