The video is a weaving together of beautiful visuals with soulful vocals by When Chai Met Toast. The story is of a young ballerina who struggles to make space for her art amidst her father's alcoholism, indifference and complete dismissal of her dance. The efficient cinematography does a perfect job of capturing the essence of the song with its hand-held visuals and intelligent use of lighting. From a dim house, where a young dancer's dreams are stifled, to the brightness of an open space where she finally allows herself to become the dancer she wants to be - the lighting and colour palette serve to supplement the narrative. With convincing acting, melodious music and seamless visuals, the video delivers a wholesome product.

Believe | Short Film of the Day

The film is a quiet exploration of familial dynamics. However, this suggestion of quietness should, in no way, imply that it is devoid of tension, past resentments, and other disagreements which simmer right under the surface, sticking their heads out in the most prominent manner at the slightest provocation. 

An average Indian family lives in a small house in Pune. It is examination time for their young son when the man’s father goes missing from the old age home they have housed him in. Additionally, his sister and her husband who are settled in the US and are in India for their annual trip, are also visiting him. 

The film does a competent job of not only portraying the several equations but does it in a very authentic, skilled, and seamless manner. The performances, writing, and screenplay all support the endeavor all the way through. At the heart of it, however, remains a crucial message about the deeply fraught structure of a family, and how sometimes it is the meekest voices that turn out to be the kindest.

Madhavrao Bapat Kuthe Gele? | Short Film Nominee

With a powerful voiceover by Shishir Sharma, this short film invokes a very important concern, especially relevant in a country like India. A child conveys a disturbing truth to his parents using something as innocent as dumb charades. While the family is portrayed to be a loving one, with convincing performances by Vivek Madaan, Pooja Verma and Mohit Parmar, the child had still not been able to communicate his secret. The film goes to show how important it is for parents to have a dialogue and an open channel of communication with their children, and thus becomes an important lesson in parenting in the process.

Dumb Charades | Short Film of the Day

Rebellious adults refusing to settle down and parents hell-bent on getting them married. Sounds like a cliche, right? Watch this charming short flip the cliche on its head and then back again.

Dekhne Mein Kya Harj Hai | Short Film of the Day

Dadi is a story found in every Indian household with the elderly. It's about empathy and allowing them to be children again, instead of simply writing off a behaviour which does not conform to cold adult logic. The short film is crisp and simple and manages to convey its message successfully. The intimacies between the grandmother and the family are shown subtly, also drawing attention to the friction which may exist between an old woman and her son, inevitable for two people who are similar in numerous ways. The latter allows it to be realistic and relatable, portraying a family which has conflict, but resolutions, anger, but kindness and love.

Dadi | Short Film of the Day

A short film, more often than nought, is a moment frozen in time. Bebasee reaffirms this premise by simply introducing the viewer to the helplessness of a woman, as the title suggests, without weighing itself down with the whys and hows of it. An exploration of the familial space and the domestic conflict that resides within it, the film begins and ends in medias res, but still manages to offer a complete narrative, irrespective of the stage the story is located at. It opens on a note marked by high tension, one which is fraught with conflict and anxiety, gradually simmering down, allowing the plot an organic movement. In its short duration, the film packs a powerhouse of a story. Marked by its crispness, and without wasting a single moment, the story is shared with the viewer in an impactful manner. The frames and camera angles exhibit intelligence and thought, allowing the film to succeed not only at the level of story and creativity, but also technique and skill. Further enhanced by a seamlessness that is a reflection of the director's maturity at handling the subject, and notable chemistry of its young cast, the film becomes a well-rounded, balanced product.

Bebasee | Short Film of the Day

In a country where old age homes are exceeding their accommodation capabilities, short films like Manan draw attention to a relevant issue. It invokes a much needed conversation around the grim realities of old age and the isolation and abandonment that accompanies it. The narrative makes efficient use of a meeting between an old woman and her son.The latter has come to pay her a visit in an old age home. When she tries to share her daily struggles with him, he brushes them aside without realising he's soon to learn an important lesson about life. However, can her wisdom of all her years make him realise his folly?

Manan | Short Film of the Day

It's a busy morning, a woman is readying herself for work, her daughter for school and a cup of coffee for her husband. But where does she fit in all this rush? This is what the short film questions on the occasion of Women's Day. If we move past the tokenism of this day, women need to be respected and looked at as any other human being - complete with their qualities as well as flaws. Badlaav reminds the viewer of the need for this change in our thought and action when it comes to our relationships with women. Will you be part of it?

Badlav | Short Film of the Day

It's hard to condense everything that can be said about this short film within a few lines. Either way, here's an attempt. First the highs - the film is well intentioned, has decent acting and writing, and attempts a conversation on several aspects of mental health - from bullying to suicide. On paper, these are all the ingredients that are required for a good film, yet, it falls short in its execution and ends with a sense of predictability. Though the visuals and framing deserve full points for the effort and experimentation, they still fail to secure sophistication and seamlessness.

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