The short film weaves its narrative craftily and leaves the viewer completely unprepared for what is in store for them. It induces a sense of discomfort and unease several times, without even remotely making it clear to the viewer the reason behind it, which serves to befuddle, but also engage them deeply. The chemistry between its two characters, Sid and Arun, threatens to spill something, to let at least a little secret slip for the audience's benefit, only to disappoint them further. The pace of the plot is maintained beautifully throughout, which when coupled with its inherent intrigue, makes Rawas a notable product. It's impossible to appreciate the comment it makes about a severe concern that plagues society and the manner in which it hides in plain sight, perhaps lurking in the most unexpected corners of our day-to-day life, without giving a spoiler. That is something the viewer would have to stumble across on their own, allowing this visual and story-telling treat (albeit disconcerting) of a film to take its time to build and shock them with its conclusion.

Rawas | Short Film of the Day

The short film engages with a concern particularly specific to women in contemporary times - online abuse. Consequently, the film becomes an important comment on gender, drawing the viewer's attention to male entitlement, sexual violence, women's location in society and the freedom of choice, which is allowed to men, while denied to women. The narrative employs tight, top angles which enables the viewer to be part of the characters' rage and unease, respectively. The conversation between the two women is conceptualised and written in a mature manner, thereby succeeding in raising pertinent questions about our patriarchal society, women's accessibility to public spaces and cyber trolling.

Naked | Short Film of the Day

On 10th January, 2017, Gudiya was abducted to never return home. What soon followed came to be known as the Kathua rape, an act so vile and brutal that it shook the conscience of the nation. However, a year later, as the headlines of violence against women continue to flow, what has truly changed, or so asks this short film. It sews together a series of linked visuals to draw attention to incidents of brutal acts committed against women in India in the recent past. This is made more disconcerting by the voiceover which is done by a child's scared voice. From Gudiya to Nirbhaya, from the fear of walking down a dark street or sitting alone in a cab to a mother's hesitation to send her daughter to school - the cycle simply stays in motion. As the news lingers in our head, the fear gets carried over to the new year, leaving us with the question - akhir iss naye saal mei naya kya hai?

Kathua’s Gudiya | Short Film of the Day

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

Trigger warning: graphic, animal carcasses, sexual violence 
The violence and brutality of human appetite can truly be a destructive force. The many forms that it can take, in action and thought, can lead to even more devastating consequences, underlines the film. It presents its ideas by way of a dysfunctional family, a space marked by abuse of all kinds. 

The appetite of the patriarch of the house for mutton becomes an important preoccupation of the film, while also presenting its most pivotal metaphor. The subsequent narratorial developments are portrayed most convincingly by the performances and the screenplay. 

The narrative remains more action-centric than using verbal exchanges and, in the process, presents a powerful story you cannot look away from, no matter the extent of harsh ferocity unfolding on screen. The plot succeeds in communicating all its intentions, even if at the cost of churning the viewer’s stomach, and remains loud and clear in the message it leaves you with.

Mutton | Short Film of the Day

Trigger warning: Based on true events, the short film is a jarring reminder of brutal sexual violence against young girls and women in India. The story is of a small town in Punjab where a boy lives with his younger sister. The narrative is handled maturely and does not give in to sentimentalism, voyeurism and excessive violence that films of this kind often fall prey to. Ayaana draws attention to how widespread rapes are in the country and how little is the punishment that is meted out to the perpetrators. Consequently, it serves to disturb the viewer and has the potential to spur them into action against this much prevalent form of sexual abuse and assault.

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