The film opens on a light note, beguiling the true sentiment that would come to constitute its core. Despite its short duration, Kandh De Paar skilfully touches upon several things that include one's sense of identity, notions of idealism juxtaposed against those of realism, minority persecution as well as an internal ideological battle of the protagonist. Visually, the narrative aims to play with sound (perhaps suggesting a delicate handling of violence) and all that unfolds on screen (red shadows cast on characters, for instance). The beginning of the narrative is simply a chaotic Sikh household dealing with its daily bickering and confusion. However, it immediately progresses to reveal a far darker reality that simmers just below the surface, one of the persecution of the Sikhs in 1984 in the wake of the assassination of the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Both Taranjit Kaur and Guneet Singh Nanda bring the story to life with their notable performances and draw the viewer deep into it beyond the point of no return. It should be added that the film does indeed lose brownie points in the department of sound and certain camera angles which could gave gained with a little more polishing and sophistication. However, on the whole, it succeeds at presenting a moving portrayal of a gory and disturbing chapter of Indian history.

Kandh De Paar| Short Film of the Day

Trigger warning: violence, graphic content 

The film documents real life accounts of the anti-CAA protests that were carried out in Delhi against the highly controversial act. These experiences are further tied with metaphorical images and symbolism to drive the message home. The narrative covers the protests, the police brutality and violence that took place at the Jamia Millia Islamia university, followed by the riots that rocked the north eastern part of the national capital in early 2020. At the heart of the documentary film is the message of secularism and unity, and further a reminder to not let communal lines divide the nation. The narrative is true and honest to its subject matter, which is precisely why it might prove to be a triggering viewing experience for the sensitive audience.

Acts of Valor | Short Film Nominee

The short film endeavours to capture the plight of a Kashmiri Pandit family on the night of 19th January 1990, one that would forever be infamous for the exodus of the community from their homes in the Valley. The narrative wants to be an exploration of the visceral fear thousands would have experienced on the endless night two decades ago. The film further upholds a message of religious unity and the kindness of the human spirit, a much needed reminder in contemporary times. It uses the friendship between a Kashmiri Muslim and Pandit respectively to drive its message home. It also makes a point to call the violent attackers 'militants', not resting the blame with any particular community. In a country that continues to see division on the basis of religious lines on a daily basis, can this film be the reminder of peace and acceptance?

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