The documentary film introduces us to Durgasankar Pradhan, an interesting protagonist who spends much of his time collecting different kinds of seeds, and then allowing them to grow into plants that would one day bear fruit. His efforts are also directed towards saving and conserving endangered plant species, as well as educating those around him about their absolute significance in human society. While engaging with all of these concerns, the narrative also draws attention to the intrinsic relationship that once existed between our cultural identity and the food that we consumed. This further leads to a contrast between indigenous seeds and those of a hybrid kind, and how the latter is slowly making the former obsolete. At its core are also pertinent points that draw your attention to how we may complain of increasing prices of produce which we import from far-off regions, and yet, not possess the inclination to pause and reflect on the demise of native breeds and species of plants. The film interacts with all of these issues and presents to the city-dwelling, urban viewer the beauty as well as the importance of growing your own plants and vegetables.

Seed-Man | Short Film Nominee

The film is about several things that include familial ties, bullying, loss of someone you love, poverty and the importance of education, among other things. It gives the audience an endearing protagonist called Aman whose father is a gardener. Due to an unnamed disease, he leaves his son in the care of his employers and disappears from the narrative thereafter after an emotional farewell. The film essentially becomes this boy's journey of experiencing grief, finding companionship in the plants that his father taught him to nurture, making friends out of foes and winning the world over with his kindness. The performance by Agamvir Singh shoulders the weight of the story most efficiently, also making it the most notable aspect of the film. The film, however, would have benefited better with the presence of an original background score and a little less sentimentalism.

A Little Gardener | Short Film Nominee

The film uses a lovely metaphor, one of the fruit of patience, to draw parallels between a man's love for gardening and growing mangoes, as well as the struggles of a health worker during the coronavirus pandemic. The narrative, which puts forth its message with a voiceover against visuals of a garden and an elemental lightheartedness, also carries a suggestion for the viewer to wait at home with the same patience for their safety as well as that of others. The film is easy, simple and direct and leaves the audience with a reminder of the absolute importance of not stepping out.

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