Trigger Warning: Graphic Content 

The film is a poignant and inspiring narrative about an organisation that rescues animals in the Indian city of Raipur. It takes the viewer into the lives of the founder and her small, but dedicated team who works tirelessly and relentlessly, even in the face of all obstacles, be it financial, societal (linked to the gender of the volunteers, for instance) or beyond. The documentary is deeply moving, heartwarming, emotional, endearing and impactful, all in equal measure. What started as an unexpected set of events when the founder, dressed in her finery and about to head to a social gathering, found an injured dog on a street, has now become a force to be reckoned with. Inherent to the core of the film is the message of kindness and doing your bit, despite hurdles like limited resources, unawareness, ignorance or just plain indifference of those around you, and the sacrifices that such an endeavour often demands. The film undeniably has a very powerful story to share, one that should be spread far and wide, for the betterment of the world we live in. All of this is further tied up with technical skill to make the narrative even more impactful. Vaatika is marked by its beautiful visuals (though some of them would be too graphic for sensitive viewers), seamless editing, crispness of narrative, eloquent interviewees and the deep, sincere desire to create something meaningful.

Vaatika | Short Film Nominee

72Kg is a short film that will make the viewer understand how a simple act of kindness can go a long way in helping someone. Written and directed by Thamar, the elegant framing of the visuals makes you forget that they have been shot on a smartphone, a Samsung Galaxy Note 5. On his way back from work, a man sees a man begging for money. He sees people dropping change in his can, but doesn't do the same himself. Instead, he has something else in mind. The short film has a powerful message which it conveys most successfully with a smooth narrative. It further shows that one doesn't always require expensive gadgets and fancy gear to make a good piece of art.

72 Kg | Short Film of the Day

Food unites us in more ways than one and it truly is the way to someone's heart. This ad film conveys it in the most beautiful manner through the portrayal of love between two colleagues. If you jumped to the idea of romantic love then you will stand corrected by this campaign called #EveryDayLove. Further, The Colleagues goes to show that the mere act of sharing your lunch is sometimes all the kindness someone needs. Also, sharing and giving sets a cycle of love in motion, and once it's begun, there's no stopping it.

The Colleagues | Short Film of the Day

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and perhaps that's all it should be associated with. This ad film is a part of a digital campaign titled #EveryDayLove and conveys the same in the most beautiful manner. While one roommate gets ready in the dark, the other begins to appreciate her little acts of consideration and kindness. Through a lovely bond between two girls who never interact with each other, the narrative leaves the audience with a sense of warmth and the belief that love always finds a way.

The Roomies | Short Film of the Day

‘Gandhi Virus’ presents a most intriguing world to the viewer, constructed with thoughtfulness and care to ensure the plot is communicated to the viewer with conviction and lucidity. 

A man, the protagonist, is desperate and very disturbed on a phone call to his mother. His uncontrollable sobbing gives way to the events of only a few minutes ago. The film thus presents a dystopic reality where a bizarre virus has humankind in its tight hold. 

 The virus makes its host kind and non-violent. On paper, the proposition sounds nothing short of utopia, but its consequences are far from that, as the narrative continues to portray, ensuring that its storytelling remains a marked strength. Additionally, the film keeps the audience engaged throughout, concluding with the emphatic communication of all of these ideas.

Gandhi Virus | Short Film Nominee

The film is a notable story about the cacophony and chaos of human existence. Though it appears simple and sweet at first, an important comment rests within the plot, one about a significant negative aspect of the human condition. 

The protagonist lives with a hearing disability, until one day when he stumbles across a hearing aid by the roadside. Experiencing the auditory wonders of the world for the first time, his glee is uncontainable, as is also portrayed by the actor's ear-to-ear smile. However, if only the world had only sunshine and cheer to offer. Soon the joy changes into overwhelming noise which the protagonist had not anticipated. 
The visuals support this development and shift with competency, as the narrative continues to march forward, leading to a crucial realization for the protagonist. Consequently, the many components come together to present to you a complete story that lucidly portrays all of its ideas for the audience.

Nirvana | Short Film Nominee

The documentary introduces us to the work and efforts of Amit Sehgal, the founder of Jeev Aashraya. Founded in Lucknow, Uttar Pradhesh in 2011, with its name translating to animal shelter/refuge, the NGO works towards protecting and rehabilitating animals. With the ideology of taking care of all creatures on earth at its heart, from horses to monkeys to dogs, to only name a few, the organization strives to do its best, shares Sehgal. 

 Though the end result of the film could have been tighter for greater impact, it remains well-meaning and dedicated all along. It also presents to the viewer a deeply involving and engaging subject who single-handedly regales them with his many stories and experiences.

Truth and Fiction | Short Film Nominee

Sister Swathi is a kind-hearted person who has devoted her life to helping others. One day her path crosses with Raju’s, a young boy who makes a living by fulfilling small jobs like selling water at the bus stop or being a porter at the railway station, among others. When the film opens, we are taken into a non-linear narrative which gradually presents to us this equation between the two characters. 

Nestled within it are several unresolved concerns which eventually come to weigh on Sister Swathi, leading her to seek counsel from a mental health expert. The ensuing conversation raises important points about exploitation, tragedy, and the manner in which they come to affect a person’s dreams. The film is a well-intentioned, devoted story about kindness, and providing others the help they need, and not the one that you want to offer. Along with this, it also carries a reminder about letting go of past grievances in order to make way for the joys of the future.

Help | Short Film Nominee

The short narrative ropes in a competent performance and visual progression to talk about the very significant and noble issue of organ donation. By portraying the plight of a mother who awaits a donor for her unwell young daughter, the intentions of the film are presented with lucidity. 

The plot and screenplay serve to fulfill the sole purpose of raising awareness by drawing us deeper into the struggles of the mother, and in the process, succeed in not only delineating her helplessness but also presenting the film's intentions and ideas to the viewer. The idea established in the title is pronounced emphatically, further reminding the audience of the crucial role they can play in helping another in need simply by being a little more informed, and aware of their own capabilities.

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