No obstacle is big enough in the pursuit of knowledge, proves the story of Manoj. So what he had to drop out of school owing to financial compulsions? He was relentless in his attempts to gain knowledge and found an interesting way of achieving it. As a scrap dealer of discarded paper, Manoj manages to procure innumerable books that he studies from regularly. And indeed when you are so diligently dedicated to a goal, doors sometimes unlock themselves for you. Such is the story of the protagonist of this short film by ICICI Bank which will definitely leave the viewer with a smile on their face and a desire to do better, for themselves and the world.

The Scrap Library | Short Film of the Day

This short film, another offering by MensXP's Love on the Rocks series, takes us into a night when a girl walks into a cafe that is closing. Taken by her charm, the owner doesn't turn her away. With all the staff gone, there's only him trying to single-handedly serve coffee, spaghetti, squeeze in some conversation with his restaurant guest, while occasionally breaking the fourth wall to address the audience. Table for Two is a mellow short film with soulful music to match the vibe invoked by the story and its characters. While the protagonist initially comes across as pestering, is a change in his character trajectory possible?

Table For Two | Short Film of the Day

The story opens and closes with a suggestion of social media, an unmissable presence that will come to pervade the entire plot in a subtle manner. It is the distance that the film covers in between that endeavors to horrify and shock the viewer. This is supplemented by the portrayal of primarily one development - the arrival of a book at the protagonist’s doorstep. It is a cozy, wintery night, the lights are dim, the room warm, and yet, it soon becomes apparent that something sinister lurks underneath this image of domesticity. Even though the film loses some points when it comes to lighting, it remains equipped with elements of storytelling that will engage and involve the viewer all along.

The Book Trend | Short Film Nominee

The short film portrays a single circumstance one night, a circumstance that is marked by a haunting supernatural element. The hour is late when a woman is reading a strange book. She is alone at home, awaiting the return of her husband from work. However, soon something terrible begins to unfold. 
There is no connection to be had with the outside world, anything that could have come to her rescue, as she realizes the presence of another in the otherwise empty house. A horrifying reality develops, and the narrative presents all of this in its brief duration, exhibiting efficient storytelling. Additionally, if the project can be developed further, with a more detailed beginning, middle and end, it should surely be pursued.

Kivuli | Short Film Nominee

In its own unique manner, while also being supplemented with an upbeat, soulful song, the video shares its thought with the viewer. The protagonist, once an avid reader, has left his books and bookshelf forgotten in his past. However, will the new distraction and preoccupation, that has taken him away from reading, be a lasting one? The short film is notable in the efforts of its single-member cast and crew, and offers a narrative which is marked by an elemental quirkiness.

Habits  | Lockdown Film Challenge

Several housewives in India are often reduced to the domestic chores they are responsible for. With little to no repayment of any kind for their emotional and physical labour, they are further deprived of their individuality. The film explores the experiences of one such woman who still holds on to reading her favourite childhood books, perhaps even as a means of escape, even if momentarily so, from her oppressive husband. Despite being tied to household chores that form the predominant part of her routine, she still finds herself turning to her stories for comfort. More than marriage, it is her evidently patriarchal husband who keeps her from only a single hobby that she allows herself, when she can truly enjoy simply being on her own. However, sometimes it is the little acts which become the biggest step towards the road to freedom and agency, and it is this realisation that the film seeks to leave its viewer with, conveyed using a pivotal decision that the protagonist takes at the conclusion of the story.

Devika | Short Film Nominee

The narrative is an interesting exploration of the struggle of a young man to secure himself intoxicants that he is addicted to, in the times of the coronavirus and the consequent lockdown. As he stumbles from one failed attempt to another to satiate his pressing need, where will he finally find comfort and solace?

The Good Drugs | Lockdown Film Challenge

The short narrative is a sweet endeavor in allowing the viewer a glimpse into the life of a bibliophile. Consequently, the story becomes a portrayal of the many ways in which different books, stories and their characters have influenced the protagonist and her own life and experiences. Thought the final product exhibits efficient use of space, and lights and shadows, fine-tuning of its visuals would have allowed it to be more than what it already is.

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