‘The Family Table’ is a disturbing film to watch, simply because of how unabashedly it holds the mirror up to society. The scene, theatrical in its core and approach, is of a dining table where a group enjoys a lavish meal, while a woman, the mother, serves the food in an anxious frenzy. 

The metaphors that the ensuing drama offers are not only crucial and powerful but also executed with seamlessness and ease. The writing, screenplay, performances, and swift camera movements all aid this portrayal. As the endless appetites of those at the table continue to grow, so does the anxiety and frenzy around it, leading to the most devastating and troubling conclusions. 

By way of its story, the film presents the dysfunctionality of a familial unit that simmers under the surface, threatening to spill over at the slightest provocation. The final result becomes a very comprehensive and cohesive whole, lucid in the communication of its ideas, and competent and sophisticated in the expression of its intentions.

The Family Table | Short Film Nominee

The short film aims to draw attention to an issue that deeply afflicts the Indian society - hunger and starvation, especially among children. The story builds a narrative that uses a bad habit - excess alcohol consumption, to drive home the point that things are not always as neatly black and white as we make them out to be. The visuals exhibit promising camerawork and the plot is well-meaning, attempting to do its bit for the betterment of society. Overall, the film will leave the viewer with a positive message to never underestimate their efforts when it comes to improving the state of affairs in the contemporary world.

Bhook | Short Film Nominee

The film promotes a noble message. Any film that shows the cruel ways in which we treat our farmers is
crucial. They are the ones who feed civilisations, and yet, there are families of farmers or workers on
the farm who go hungry, who die due to starvation. This is perhaps one of the most inhuman plights of
our society, and needs to be urgently corrected. While reforms to fix this on the level of institutions
must be initiated and carried through with commitment, art can also simultaneously help the cause by
spreading awareness, by sensitising the ones who benefit at the cost of the farmer’s sacrifices, in the
way that this film does.

Don't Kill | Short Film Nominee

The short film is a sincere attempt to bring to life a very serious concern - one of wastage of food. Not only does it talk about the callous manner in which food is discarded, it further draws up the contrasting image of so many going hungry due to its scarcity. The noble intentioned narrative then brings forth a parallel stream, one that conjures up a potential solution. With visuals of children being fed and falling asleep following a full stomach, the film completes its movement from a premise to its conclusions. In a nation that struggles with poverty and starvation, the film does its bit to raise awareness and make the viewer feel more responsible towards their society.

Food For Thought  | Short Film Nominee

The short film portrays a situation many of us would find relatable - the quest for the perfect snack in times of lockdown. The story is of a boy who is trying to outwit his mother in finding his favourite snacks of which he's seen glimpses around the house. Will he finally be able to succeed?

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