It is the season of lights, colours, sweets and above all - family. The short film attempts to capture the same with the portrayal of a young Christian bride in a Hindu family. The narrative invokes an endearing reality of love and acceptance as the woman prepares for her first Diwali. However, despite a loving husband and in-laws, the brightness is dulled by the sadness of missing her parents. The story is a simple, direct one which serves as a reminder that though we may differ in practices and cultural trends, the overarching feelings of love, affection and familial bonds remain the same.

First Diwali With Your In-Laws | Surveen Chawla, Arjan Bajwa | Short Film of the Day

The short film is about Diwali and the approach of two generations to the festival. While a son gets off the phone with his father after an argument about wanting to celebrate the festival with his friends, another man, also present there, shops for kurtas for his son. As the younger man helps the older stranger to buy those kurtas, indeed a deeper understanding of the festival awaits him. The film is simple, straight and is taken several notches higher by Atul Shrivastav's endearing performance.

Long Distance Diwali | Atul Srivastava | Diwali | Short Film of the Day

The short film is the story of a young architect Nisha, who has been recently married into the Sarabhai family. As she prepares for her first Diwali as part of the new family, she treads a narrow line between protecting her identity and fulfilling the expectations of others. The event managers have been fixed, the saree is ready and guests are about to start coming in. As she is about to step out as a Sarabhai hostess, will Nisha be able to strike a balance between her individuality and what she sees as her duty towards her new family?

Besan Ke Laddoo | Shweta Tripathi, Anuj Sachdeva | Short Film of the Day

The ad film carries with it a significantly important message that becomes more and more relevant in contemporary times where the planet wages a tough battle against environmental destruction. The narrative is short and crisp and succeeds in communicating its message in a lucid, comprehensive manner. The comment it offers is about how devotion to religion and festivities is not determined by materialism of any kind, and all that it requires is faith. Secondly, there is further a reminder for the viewer, with especial focus on Ganesh Chaturthi, to not let their devotion lead them to perhaps unknowingly indulge in a practice which pollutes their surroundings. The film is quiet and sincere in sharing its message, and reminds the audience to simply be more mindful of their observation and practices.

Belief | Short Film Nominee

The film straddles two very important issues - loneliness, and the lot of the needy. The same is achieved in an unlikely manner by presenting to us a day in the life of a woman who is all set to celebrate Mahalaya, an important festive occasion that arrives at the heels of Durga Puja. 

Despite friends and a loving partner, she somehow finds herself alone on the day, with no one to celebrate it with. However, she refuses to give in to the overwhelming sense of isolation and instead gets ready in all her finery to step out and bring her plans to fruition, whether or not with anyone by her side. The writing, story, and screenplay bring in another unlikely development, as her paths cross with a young boy. In this manner, the plot is woven with a devotion to the primary performance to share the driving thought of the film, echoing a relevant message about friendship and mental health.

Bondhu Hobi | Short Film Nominee

At its core, the film carries an important message that reminds the viewer of their responsibility in a pandemic-ridden world. It is the time of a festival, Rakshabandhan, but owing to the lockdown and social distancing norms in the country, two siblings are able to be with each other only via phone calls. However, that does not mean they forget to protect and cherish each other, while also trying to make the most of the situation. The film is sweet, sincere and well-intentioned, and the same sentiment gets translated on screen.

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