The film offers an interesting, experimental narrative using the lived reality of its protagonist - make of it what you may. Stuck in an immovable daily routine of an unsatisfying job and an empty life of pointless chores, he is one day approached by a woman in a bar. This woman, who categories him as a 'pseudohuman', would perhaps metaphorically (and literally, as it plays out on screen) wake people up from their slumber. As colours trickle back into the visuals, they find themselves embracing art, accepting a sensual experience away from the humdrum of mundane life. However, swaying around the room, allowing themselves to be a version of their personality they had perhaps long forgotten, what will be their eventual fate?

Pseudohuman | Short Film Nominee

The film is an attempted exploration of the distance between two people who have built a life together, and have perhaps found themselves drifting either away from each other, or just simply moving from one mundane task to another, in a routine that has squeezed colours and light out of the relationship. Portraying all of this minus any dialogues, but a smart use of camera angles, the film becomes a potentially wonderful engagement with its premise. As the two continue to between their daily tasks and activities, in an autopilot mode of sorts, there is perhaps one item, or thread of hope that still manages to tie them together, suggests the narrative in its own quiet manner. While the core idea of the film is clear, distance between two people despite their shared space, and a single object which holds the promise of overcoming that distance in a blink, a little polishing of the light and visuals would have made this communication more impactful for the viewer.

Adrift | Short Film Nominee

The film is simply a musical exploration of the different ways and hobbies people are employing and interacting with to keep themselves occupied and going during the coronavirus lockdown. With a soulful background score, music becomes the most notable strength of the narrative, allowing it to attain a wonderful tone and tenor as it unpacks itself for the audience.

Quarantined Tales | Lockdown Film Challenge

The film is a notable endeavour in the manner in which it is shot entirely on the phone and is a result of the efforts of its single-member-cast and crew. It is a simple story told in a straight and direct manner. The plot opens on the first day of the national lockdown when a boy wakes up early morning to take care of all his tasks. While he may have stuck to his decided routine for a day, will he be able to achieve the same discipline and determination on the second day as well? The film raises the question and aims an answer along with a message about dreams and hard work to leave the viewer with.

Wake Up | Short Film Nominee

The short film exhibits potential in terms of camerawork which can be explored further in future projects. It is simple in its approach and gives the viewer a glimpse into the life of a young woman in quarantine as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. As she moves out of her bed in the morning, will she conquer the day or will procrastination be her fate?

Until Tomorrow | Lockdown Film Challenge

It's an early morning when the alarm goes off, and thus begins the daily routine of the protagonist. He is ready in time to sit before a laptop screen and dive headlong into his day. However, what is truly unfolding on the screen? That is an unexpected development the narrative withholds from the viewer right until its conclusion.

To-Do List | Lockdown Film Challenge

The short film aims to weave a philosophical narrative about the mundane, mediocre realities of life. It starts and ends with a glimpse into the life of his protagonist. Drawing to attention the acitivities of daily of life, it follows him from waking up in the morning to going to work, giving presentations, eating out and eventually falling into his bed at the end of a long day. The narrative invokes the philosophers (Hegel, Marx) and art (Fight Club) that perhaps inspired the filmmakers to make this film in the first place. It aims to be an honest and sincere engagement with the thoughts and ideas of these thinkers and artists and should be viewed and appreciated for the same.

Downturn  | Short Film Nominee

It is an ordinary scene at a bus stop. Various passengers are waiting for the vehicle. There are school going
children in uniform gawking at others, college students taking selfies, grown-ups reading the newspaper,
while others watch videos on their phone. The film marks the International day of Routine and celebrates
the simple joys of living, the everyday pleasures, the epic in the mundane. The same is achieved by tying together a bunch of different images and characters which all come to overlap at the same place - a bus stop.

Bus Stop | Short Film Nominee

The short narrative is a glimpse into a boy's life during the lockdown - an experience each and everyone of us would relate to. From work calls to home-cooked meals to daily routines that allow one a semblance of some normalcy, it invokes them all. Devoid of dialogue, the story communicates its intentions only through visuals, bringing to life a reality we are all too familiar with. Though not entirely unique in its subject matter, the final product exhibits devotion and sincerity to storytelling.

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