People often make the mistake of associating gender sensitivity with a particular class or group of people. However, this short film goes to prove that being respectful and non-discriminatory isn't really the question of what language you speak or where you belong. The film opens on the wedding night of a young couple, clearly inexperienced in sex. It wonderfully encapsulates their hesitation and nervousness with much credit owed to the writing as well as the performances of Saurabh Goyal and Preety Sharma. While the boy seems to be infatuated with the new bride, his parents' have very different concerns. The short film attempts to call out regressive and demeaning practices that are often enforced in the name of tradition. It also draws attention to the manner in which it affects the mental health of women and young brides across the country.

Seal | Short Film of the Day

Did someone say desire? Yes! Did someone say attraction? Oh, yes. Did someone say S-E-X? Yes, yes, yes! But wait, did someone ALSO say female sexuality? Oh, maybe not. Look away everyone, look away and pretend it never happened. This short film draws attention to precisely this aspect of sexuality where women's desires are to be discussed only in hushed whispers behind closed doors. The narrative moves around light banter between a mother-daughter duo, silently but strongly backed by their female domestic help. The women are only talking about the ingredients of the delicacies cooked in a kitchen, but are they really?

Khaney main kya hai | 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

Women have to put up a tough fight to make their voices heard in a world like ours. While more and more of them step out, the workforce has only just begun to get used to their presence. However, amidst all the stereotypes, sexism and misogyny, they will still bring their #BestAtWork. They are vivacious, docile, fierce and gentle. There is no one mould that will fit a woman and that is what this ad film conveys. Set to the staccato of well-written poetry, the ad film by Tanishq Mia succeeds in getting its message across in the most impactful manner.

#BestAtWork | Short Film of the Day

Radhika Apte shines brilliantly in the captivating 'Bold is Beautiful' short film series by Myntra. Unearthing an old piece of art is worth it if it conveys a message as relevant as this one. Shaheen, played by Apte, is a professional who is clearly great at her job, but her pregnancy is what concerns her colleagues more than her work. In a society, that equates pregnancy with being disabled, or as an angry Shaheen calls it, "handicapped", The Calling makes a much needed comment about the manner in which women are viewed as professionals. No, pregnancy doesn't mean end of their career and the short film ensures that this message is conveyed in the most emphatic manner.

The Calling | Short Film of the Day

Three women out on a mission...to have fun - this is precisely what this music video, an offering by Ritviz, is all about. It offers three characters - an auto driver, a gentlemen's tailor and a coconut water seller, roles that we instinctively ascribe to men. However, in the video, they are all women and it's accepted as the norm. There are no awkward gestures or stares, only a celebration of life. From beaches to sunbathing, from grocery shopping to watching a late night movie in an empty theatre, the film is replete with pretty shots of the three protagonists having a good time in different locations. Essentially, it becomes a celebration of little victories of life and being carefree with your friends like there is no tomorrow. There indeed might be one, on the contrary, but it doesn't and shouldn't take away from the joy of today.

Ritviz - Jeet | Short Film of the Day

With a notable performance by Taapsee Pannu, Nitishastra deals with gender, violence against women and the idea of right and wrong. The film has the right intent, but is maudlin in parts. Roshni, Pannu's character, teaches self-defense to young girls. Ignoring her mother's suggestion to get married, she prioritises her work over everything. All of this goes hand in hand with reading Hindu philosophy that further cements her ideas. However, little does Roshni know betrayal is just around the corner. What happens when the choice is between what is right and protecting someone you love? Sit back and hold tight as the narrative unfolds to answer this question.

Nitishastra | Short Film of the Day

It's comforting to see more and more voices join the conversation around choice. When it comes to a woman's attire, everyone seems to have an opinion which they would enthusiastically share with the world without the slightest request. In such a scenario, when two women sit down to have a calm conversation about their idea of dressing, it's indeed a refreshing change. No matter where you find yourself on the spectrum of covering up your body, you will definitely find something in the video to agree with. The idea behind it is simple, but powerful like strong narratives should be. It's well-argued, well-scripted and well-performed. So, when a young actor in her ripped jeans meets an English Literature professor in a burqa at a bus stop, whose ideology would echo with you more?

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