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

10:30 Chalein School is a heartening tale told through the eyes of a pre-teen school girl. It is a story about her tussle with overpowering, orthodox forces that threaten her right to education. Disha lives with her father in a rural corner of India where the beloved school is located right next to her kutcha house. Enthusiastic and keen, she exhibits a deep affinity for reading, and a yearning for knowledge. 

However, soon their aunt from the next village pays a visit and immediately decides for Disha to quit school and participate in the household chores instead. This doesn’t sit well with the rebellious and determined protagonist who protests by regularly dressing up for her own makeshift backyard school. With empty lunch boxes and worn-out books, Disha sets out every morning in the hope of going back to her former classes one day. 

Through the course of the narrative, a myriad emotions are invoked - from despair, heartache to warmth and endearment. Underlying them all is also the very pertinent message about education of children, especially young girls, for the betterment of entire society. Consequently, the film not only offers a sweet, uplifting story, but also the furthering of a conversation extremely relevant in contemporary times.

10:30 Chalein School | Short Film of the Day

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

When it comes to the issue of women empowerment, the single most important tool is education, and the short film goes ahead to emphasise the same fact. Through the failed dreams and denied desires of its characters, represented by Matryoshka dolls, the narrative further accentuates the role of women in enabling each other and their aspirations.

Aasala Koluvu | Lockdown Film Challenge

Patriarchy's gendered oppression is no hidden secret and this film is an endeavour to engage with the same. The story is of a morning when a couple sits down to have breakfast before they head out for their respective jobs. However, it is soon revealed that things are not as calm and simple as they appear to be at the first glance. As the woman steps out to earn a living, her husband is not only unhappy with her decision, but also doubts her ability to even achieve her goals of being a professional. With her smile and polite, but definitive demeanour, she puts an inspiring message across - one that communicates her iron will to the viewer, along with serving as a reminder for them to not give in when it comes to fighting for what they believe in.

Pankh | 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.

Vijayini | Short Film Nominee

Borrowing from a real life incident, the film makes a sincere effort to put forth a positive message. While showing the kindness of its protagonist, Mohini, the story wants to make a strong comment about the upliftment of the transgender community. Struck by the agony of the migrant labourers who are stranded away from home, the big-hearted protagonist chooses to do her bit to help them, and thus the story becomes a homage to the very real efforts of the transgender community in feeding innumerable people during the coronavirus lockdown in India. The film is well-intentioned, honest, and has its heart in the right place. This sense of positivity, therefore, finds its way into the final product of Patt as well.

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