With disturbing data that suggests one in every three women in the world has been sexually or physically abused at some point, this short film by UN Women makes a strong case for women's rights. The simple weaving of visuals of different situations are sufficient to convey how unsafe women are at work, in public spaces and at home. Lakeer raises a very important question - where do we draw the line when it comes to violence against women? With a coherent and sophisticated narrative, further coupled with good acting and visuals which are disturbing without even bordering on voyeurism, the short film becomes the kind of content the world needs.

Lakeer | Short Film of the Day

Poignant, subtle and nuanced - three words that describe this short film. Written and directed by Vivek Mushran, Morning Majnu is an interesting take on the entitlement and fearlessness of a man in a position of power. It's a usual morning in an average Indian household where a domestic help goes about her daily chores. However, the master of the house is an insufferable lech who deliberately drops tea on the floor to get her to position her body that allows him a better opportunity to ogle at her. One thing that he does not foresee is an object as inane as a radio becoming an agent of retribution. The short film has an interesting take on sexism and sexual harassment, and therefore becomes even more relevant in a world where conversation around sexual harassment is becoming louder every day.

Morning Majnu | Short Film of the Day

Society functions in such a way that if a woman is spotted alone in a public space, men feel it's perfectly normal for them to accost her. The Wait is a short film which portrays how obnoxious this sense of male entitlement can be. As a woman waits for a friend at a bar, she is approached by an importunate man who refuses to leave her alone despite her obvious discomfort. However, she too stands her ground. The short film by Myntra, another offering of its Bold is Beautiful campaign, leaves the viewer feeling triumphant in the victory of the protagonist who claims her space most fiercely and fearlessly.

The Wait | Short Film of the Day

This Bombay Diaries production, though from 2017, becomes very relevant in the post #MeToo world. While more and more women come forward with their stories of sexual assault and harassment, this short film gives us a glimpse into the struggles of a woman who attempts to step out of the confines of her house in a patriarchal world. It’s time we stopped brushing workplace harassment under the carpet and instead called out the harassers, affirms Her. She may have been forced into silence, be it literal where she has forgotten to raise her voice, or metaphorical where she covers her skin, ties up her hair or refuses to wear make-up, but push her any further, and she will fight back, supported by all her fellow women. Watch Her as a confirmation of how time is truly up and women will no longer suffer in mute silence.

Her | Maanvi Gagroo | Short Film of the Day

Nayan is a meek, reticent bank employee who is chasing a loan defaulter for months now. However, his inability to demand the money forcefully, and instead forever being cowed down by the defaulter, Vivek Gamit, has left his boss extremely disgruntled. With only three days to get the money back, and save his job, he is left in a desperate corner with nowhere to turn. 

Nayan’s domestic life too reflects the same reticence, as he goes along with everything his wife says or suggests. The film offers a wonderful character trajectory from its beginning to end in terms of the protagonist. In fact, it is this moment of breaking out of the quiet that forms the disconcerting crux of the plot. 

The entirety of it is handled gingerly and meticulously, bolstered by a convincing performance of the protagonist. The writing forms a prominent strength as well, ensuring that the film remains engaging and balanced throughout.

Recovery | Short Film Nominee

It is late in the night when a man asks another for a lift till the nearby junction. Arun and Akash begin their drive together, discussing several things. The topic soon veers to the idea of masks that humans wear to hide their true, cruel selves. The conversation develops alongside constant calls from Akash’s wife which he ignores every single time. The implied question thus becomes - what does a Good Samaritan, who stops to help strangers in the middle of the night, for instance, hide in his own life? The film draws from the darkness of the night to supplement its sense of thrill and suspense, eventually presenting its intentions to you. At the core of the plot also rests an important social message about sexual assault and its relationship with gender. The narrative remains engaging, achieved by its writing and complementary performances.

Samaritan | Short Film Nominee

Women’s presence in the public space, and harassment go hand in hand in India. The short film is a portrayal of the said reality, employing a day in the life of a working woman in a metropolitan city. From her daily commute to the workspace, no corner of the world is safe from stares and other forms of sexual harassment. The narrative does a notable job of taking this a step forward and presenting the fight against it, spearheaded by the woman herself, therefore sharing a relevant comment on agency and the assertion of a woman’s presence in the world.

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