At first glance, the film is simply the story of a wooden stamp and her dreams and hopes. However, soon the narrative delves deeper and brings in a lovely comment about the idea of leaving behind a lasting imprint in your wake. The film's intentions thus come to be realized by combining the horizon of expectation set so far with the desire to be remembered in a manner that outlives your existence. 

As the skilled first-person voiceover is coupled with sophisticated visuals, together they invoke seamless poetry and beautiful lyricism. This, in turn, ensures that the portrayal and the progression of events remains efficient throughout. 

The plot development, color palettes and sound, all correspond to the same, ensuring that the entire creation comes together as a composite whole of several complementary parts, while simultaneously communicating its intentions lucidly to the viewer. The aesthetic and sense of calm it conjures is bound to stay with you long after you are done watching the film.

Ek Lakdi Thi | Short Film of the Month

The film’s story is a heartfelt engagement with dreams, and what they mean for its different characters. Located amidst the very real struggles of survival and somehow making ends meet is our little protagonist. Pintu dreams of a world where he does not have to go to school to an indifferent, lazy, and cruel teacher. He also dreams of fancy sneakers and a future away from the brick kiln where his father works. His aspirations are not simply confined to that but further include the desire for a life like Muniya’s, a peer who does not go to school and instead helps her mother with domestic chores. Muniya, on the other hand, covets a world where children like her go to school. 
Pintu’s parents try to hold on to their jobs or seek out new ones, in the hope of securing some kind of stability in their lives. The film further interweaves frustration and hope, two sides of the same coin, with all of it, alongside the constant effort that is required to keep life afloat. It presents a glimpse into a harsh, exploitative unfair world where a little boy still dreams of seemingly petty things like branded shoes, and a space away from his callous school. 
There is a slight loosening of control when it comes to visual consistency as the film reaches its conclusion, but one which is easy to overlook in the face of all the other strengths it presents. From a screenplay marked by long, fixed frames, to performances, notable and endearing in equal measure, to its world-building, authentic and meticulous throughout, 'Pintu' incorporates them all, and remains steadfast in the exploration of its thematic concerns explored from the eyes of children and adults alike.

Pintu  | Short Film of the Month

The documentary, with its seamless, skilled camerawork and intelligent visual storytelling, introduces you to Parul Chauhan, a homemaker in a corner of Delhi, and her relationship with her motorcycle. Through her story and experiences, the film offers a pertinent comment on the location of women in a society where women like Chauhan are still anomalies and possible only due to a fortunate and near-perfect alignment of several moving parts - the most important of them all being a supportive family. As Chauhan takes us deeper into her world, we are introduced to how her riding allowed her to overcome several health problems. She further asserts that she hopes and plans to leave the women around her with the same indomitable spirit as her by teaching them to drive two-wheelers as well.

Journey of a Housewife to a Rider | Short Film of the Month

Titled ironically, the film takes us into the life of Sameer, and his many struggles as an aspiring actor. The protagonist has spent years trying to land himself a meaningful, meaty role, and yet, his acting career is far from any kind of stability. 
Other than the problems it causes in his marriage, Sameer also finds himself drowning in despair, frustration and righteous anger at being treated unfairly. However, even in the face of all the hardship, he is unable to let go of his dream, a choice that costs him dearly. The film, though not devoid of its rough edges in the overall production value, is a very dedicated endeavor in bringing all of these emotions to life. A pursuit overpowered by the dilemma of choosing between passion and practicality defines its primary conflict which, in turn, presents a battle all artists would relate to.

Perks of Being an Actor | Short Film Nominee

The short film makes its premise clear right at the start - the constant struggle to choose between following your dreams and pursuing a practical, more lucrative option. It communicates the same to the viewer through the experiences of a young man who is an aspiring culinary professional. His labyrinthine path is strewn with all sorts of obstacles, disappointments and the tempting desire to give in. The story is further narrated by a voiceover as the visuals continue to roll. However, amidst the constant push and pull of hopes and dreams, as well as familial and societal expectations, what choice would the protagonist finally make?

Ambrosia | Short Film Nominee

Indian students are often subjected to familial and societal pressure to the extent of leading them to make career choices that eventually leave them feeling empty and direction-less. The story of the film focuses on the same thought and introduces the viewer to the struggles of a boy. Between what is expected of him and what he truly desires, several years of his life are compromised. One day, when he finally finds himself at the end of his rope, important decisions are in tow. However, which path will they take him on? The film raises the question, along with offering a way out of the predicament.

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links