In the face of all misogyny, sexism, classicism and women themselves participating in patriarchal oppression, it's a glass of juice which will become an agent of protest. The short film is the story of one evening and how that in itself is sufficient to delineate the normalisation of women's marginalisation. However, one day, when a woman decides to stand up and question it, will she be allowed the space to do so? Juice is a wholesome and skilful product which questions the grossly imbalanced gender equations. Shouldered by the most stellar performance by Shefali Shah, the film is undisputedly a very relevant, subtle and poignant piece of art on gender.

Juice | Short Film of the Day

The little moments that constitute life are weaved together most seamlessly in this anthology of short films. From the loneliness of old age, and a deep desire to reconnect with someone, to the little joys of simply eating an ice cream - the thematic concerns are far and wide across the spectrum, and yet never out of synchronisation with one another. Each story that the film offers is more powerful than the other, and is bound to stay with the viewer long after they are done watching it. The subtle, but potent commentary the narrative presents on issues of gender, misogyny are loud and clear, without falling in the trap of sentimentalism. Additionally, the film's insight on old age and mental health is noteworthy. The performances and portrayal of all the characters enhance the stories further, ensuring that often only the eyes are sufficient to express and communicate the intended sentiment, even before the film makes it explicit for you. All of these elements together allow Jump Cuts to work on several levels, making its success well-rounded and complete in itself.

Jump Cuts | Short Film of the Month

The film packs a powerful, pertinent comment in its conciseness. The entirety of the narrative unfolds within the confines of a single conversation. Three men discuss the sexual assault and violence inflicted on women. One of the characters mentions how more and more of these cases are being brought to light, only to be dismissed by another, saying that of course women who step out of the house and dress in a certain way, deserve what is coming their way. 

The most crucial character, however, in this entire development becomes the fourth man, the quiet listener who does not participate directly. In a notable, controlled, and skilled manner, the film thus presents a crucial commentary on sexism, misogyny, and the extremely damaging and rampant forces of patriarchy wreaking havoc on society.

Soch | Short Film of the Month

The film does a commendable job of drawing one’s attention in a stark, unabashed manner to the inherent, implicit sexism that operates on every level. The tool it employs to achieve this is language. Linguistic conditioning is tipped in the favor of patriarchy, and the film offers a strong endeavor to question the same. It is concise and lucid in its messaging, and thus succeeds in achieving clear communication of its intentions. Additionally, there is a quiet reminder of how ideas of strength and courage should never be burdened with gender binaries.

Connection Kya Hai | Short Film of the Day

The film is a union of three narratives about couples, each with very well-defined issues of their own. The storytelling does a notable job of talking about all of these issues from a lens of gender and equality, and brings in an approach that is often missing while discussing inequality and sexism within heteronormative relationships. 

The three situations include a woman trying to move on from her toxic boyfriend who refuses to let her find this space of comfort and ease. This is followed by a story where, on the heels of their marriage, a couple is confronted with deep imbalance that is tipped in the favor of the man. Lastly, the third couple presents a moment of self-doubt and uncertainty, and the absolute importance of support during such a crisis. 

The actors and the performances that they offer are sincere, and succeed at fulfilling their goal with ease. The stories remain devoid of maudlin sentimentalism, and thereby, are able to communicate their message and intentions with clarity.

Breakup Stories | Short Film Nominee

Trigger Warning: Sexual violence, graphic content 

India, as a country, is deeply steeped in misogyny, patriarchy and extremely sexist behavior that damages society adversely in several ways on multiple levels. Often, the strongest instruments of patriarchy are women themselves which enforce this problematic code of conduct, further leading to a condoning of the wrongful acts committed by men. Not only are women left to deal with the brunt of it all, but are also blamed for it. The short film is an endeavor in engaging with all of these concerns in a sincere manner. The setting it chooses for the same is one of darkness and disconcerting silence. As a couple argues about an unpleasant incident, the viewer is allowed to realize that the circumstance is perhaps more sinister than what meets the eye at first glance. Through a plot marked by suspense, thrill and a climax (albeit a little foreseeable) brimming with intense emotion, it asserts its intentions loudly and clearly, forcing the viewer to sit up and take note of a grotesque reality of the world it inhabits.

Soulmates | Short Film Nominee

In a traditional Indian set-up, women are often relegated to the space of domesticity within a family, with little outlet or options for understanding their personal, unique desires. The short film is an engagement with this thought as it takes the viewer into a single day in the life of a housewife. Married to a callous, distanced husband, she works hard at being a supportive, loving partner, but is only met with rejection and dismissal at every step. If on the one hand she recounts the story of a bird trapped in a gold cage, on the other, there is also an indication of an increasing amount of bitterness trickling into her own personality, making her cynical and weary of the world around her. The writing of the film deserves a mention for bringing out these elements that constitute her life, as well as portraying an intimate, but often denied part of her personality - her relationship with dance. The narrative finally concludes with the suggestion that perhaps it could have been her performance art that would have let her to be who she truly desired, finally allowing the trapped bird to soar free. However, in this existence, that remains far from being her reality.

Jhanak | Short Film Nominee

The short narrative acquires a lyricality as it endeavors to bring its intentions to life. Borrowing words from Madonna’s iconic 2016 speech at the Billboard Music Awards, it conjures visuals that employ efficient use of the same physical space. 

While there are presence of edges that can be smoothened out in future projects, the message of the micro short remains emphatic and lucid. A comment on the location of women in society, the words of the singer become the backbone of the narratorial progression. The two elements, the dialogue and the visuals, are thus coupled together, and tied as one with the ribbon of brevity. Additionally, a specifically stylized approach further allows for an attempt at furthering the conversation on a patriarchal society’s distorted lens of viewing women.

I Want You to Panic | Short Film Nominee

While it is common for moralists to view the idea of an Indian girl or woman as a fixed, monolithic identity, the truth is far from that. Patriarchy and sexism may have given rise to stubborn moulds, hailing all women who fit within them, and condemning any and all who don't, is a woman truly confined to these structures formed for her by external forces? The narrative of the film is an engagement with the same question by bringing to life different stories of girls and women from different walks of life, located at different ends of society. It also makes use of poetry as the only verbal presence in the film to drive home its message. She may be a sex worker, a housewife or any other average person scared into silence by the custodians of patriarchal power around her, but she has the full and absolute right to choose whoever she wants to be, asserts An Indian Girl in straight, direct terms. It is in this emphatic expression of its thoughts that the film's message becomes lucid and comprehensive.

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