The film is a lovely comment on the futility and obsolete nature of some institutions and belief systems that constitute our society. It does the same not by being self-indulgent or mawkish, but by simply presenting a single conversation between two women. As a job interview is executed, the film’s intentions are allowed articulation. 

The plot remains lucid and engaging throughout, while also making all its intentions clear in a concise and crisp manner. The job interview itself is not one that the viewer would expect, and it is in this first sense of surprise, or perhaps even unease, that the message of the film is pronounced loudly and emphatically.

Not Done Yet | Short Film of the Month

The film carries a very important message, one about the empowerment of women, with its primary focus on the lives of Indian housewives. The story locates itself in Guwahati, Assam, where a non-profit runs a sewing school for young women and girls, thereby allowing them the agency to step out of their house, and potentially acquire a skill as well as financial independence. It is a powerful narrative, carrying forth its message in no equivocal terms. The same is achieved by presenting the experiences of its interviewees, and the manner in which they overcame familial and societal obstacles, among others, to the viewer. Along with its subject matter, the film is marked by skilled and expert editing. It serves the crucial purpose of making it much more than what it already is. The two elements together, story and technical skill of editing, ensures the success of the narrative, encouraging the desire and conviction in women to step out of their confinements, put in place by others more often than nought, in pursuit of their dreams.

Pins n Needles | Short Film Nominee

The film is quiet in its treatment and approach, but loud and unmissable in the comment it wants to make. The message, intrinsic to the core of the film, is a very relevant one - education of children, especially of young girls. The story opens on a note which reiterates how it is same as freedom, along with being a basic right. Varsha is an obedient, docile girl who helps her mother stitch clothes. Despite sharing with her family the desire to continue with her studies, her parents have finalised other plans for her. Consequently, she has chosen to take her fate into her own hands. The film is notable in the visual narrative it constructs to share this story and exhibits potential in the little nuances and details it endeavours to bring within its fold.

Freedom | Short Film Nominee

This short documentary talks about the journey of a strong, resilient woman, a survivor, a dreamer, Sheela. Living in rural Kerala as a child, Sheela was athletic and loved doing odd jobs such as climbing and plucking jackfruit from the trees, cleaning the insides of the well and so on. 
She aspired to become a police officer, fearless and just, that would have eventually allowed her to do what most women in India cannot - roam freely on the streets after the sun sets. However, pressures of marriage and the pressing need to provide for her family ensured that Sheela's dreams never achieved fruition. Today, being a working member of one of the largest women groups, Kudumbasree, Sheela is confident and self-sufficient. She lives to inspire others to pursue their dreams and passion. The short narrative brings to life a story of hope and strength, and leaves the viewer with an uplifting and heartwarming message.

SHEela | Short Film Nominee

Vijayini is a film that salutes a woman’s spirit of resilience. It is the story of a housewife, who is abused
by her alcoholic husband, and one day she decides to turn a new leaf. Determined to move away from
servility to self-reliance, she starts a small business from right inside the same house, the same space
that has been a site of humiliation for her. 
The intent to tell a story of strength is wonderful. However, to do complete justice to the issue itself, the
film could have stuck to one consistent theme and fully developed deeper into that rather than touching
briefly on multiple things.

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