The documentary is clinical, incisive and sharp in its approach as it reveals to the viewer the life of the inhabitants in a small piece of land in Karnataka. Ambedkar Nagar, which started with four huts, now has close to five hundred people dwelling within its narrow by-lanes. From the idealistic and zealous voice of a young man who wants to bring education to his community, to that of a retired worker who values intelligence over everything and is apprehensive of modern education - the documentary reveals different voices. Without falling in the trap of voyeurism, romanticising or any other problematic forms of portrayal of poverty, the film manages to successfully engage with issues of class, casteism and everyday survival.

Open Doors | Pick of the Festival Circuit

The film employs skilful shots and supplements them with a poetic narration which becomes its most notable strength. The poetry is concise and powerful and speaks on the behalf of the less fortunate. In the times of the coronavirus pandemic, as everyone gets confined indoors, the narrative draws attention to the plight of those who have been hit financially by the health crisis. There is further a sense of uncertainty the narrative attempts to draw the viewer's attention to. Covid-19 took the world by complete surprise, leaving them most unprepared to deal with everything that followed in its wake. The film wants to remind the privileged and the protected that they might be headed towards a similar fate in the future while not having the remotest idea of it in the present, thereby also becoming a plea to nurture empathy as well as kindness.

Pata Bhi Nahi Chalega | Short Film of the Day

The short film is a refreshing take on gender, prostitution, the location of sex workers in society and lastly, and most importantly, their relationship with their pimp. As Om tries to procure customers for the young women that work under him, there is a sense of protectiveness along with affection that makes the relationship unique. While there is the question of survival, it is not to be answered at the cost of harming one's own. Om protects the four women fiercely and ensures their safety. In return, he is rewarded with their unwavering loyalty and dedication. The world might be a tough nut to crack, but at least the characters of this film have found their own sense of community in each other, perhaps allowing the viewer a brief sense of hope when things seem bleak otherwise.

The Wonder of Slum 105  | Short Film Nominee

Dharavi is one of the most famous parts of Mumbai, and with good reason. An area barely over two square kilometres, it houses over 5000 businesses of different kinds within itself, suggests the film, acquiring the status of a parallel ecosystem. Why the activities of the people involved are specifically important, as the documentary aptly points out, is because Dharavi plays a massive role in recycling of the plastic that is generated as part of the tonnes of waste that Mumbai throws out every day. Not only does the film draw the viewer's attention to the scale of these operations and the manner in which the process is completed, it also talks of the working conditions of those involved who have no protective gear, along with their monthly income which comes to a measly amount. The film, using a crispness, brings to light a less talked about aspect of the locality which not only allows it to maintain its pace throughout, but also communicate its intentions lucidly.

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