Trigger warning: The purpose of art is to reflect all that is wrong with society, to trigger thoughts that lead to reformative action. Agli Baar succeeds in doing precisely that - holding up the mirror to a very ugly reality of the world we live in. Not for the emotionally fragile, the short film is for an audience which is willing to swallow the bitter truths of a society divided on the lines of religion, class and a mindlessly rigid sense of community. It further invokes the idea that while we may choose to ignore them and be mute spectators to the wrongs being done around us, we are not immune to the agents of evil which may target us next.

Agli Baar | Short Film of the Day

Women's accessibility to public spaces is fraught with threats of molestation, street sexual harassment and sometimes even far worse. The film attempts to draw attention to this limited space that is allowed to women, and how the entire society, from family and friends, to colleagues and complete strangers, are implicit in reducing it further. The narrative makes the most skilled use of hand-held shots, tight frames and dim lighting to drive this message home. It's written in a manner that makes the viewer deeply invested in the fear and the anger of the three main characters. As their families tell them to avoid stepping out and confronting their harassers, the women find their strength in each other. However, more than trusting each other, they have to find that strength and trust in themselves. Once they manage to conquer the enemy within, there is little they cannot defeat without, emphasises the film.

That Day After Everyday | Short Film of the Day

The short film carries a very relevant social message for the viewer who is willing to stick till the end. Fortunately, that won't be a problem in this Naseeruddin Shah-led narrative. Rogan Josh is the story of a meal time when a family sits down to enjoy a birthday dinner with their friends. Throughout, there are suggestions of a deeper, darker subtext even for the most inattentive viewer. However, as the plot thickens, these cues are going to become subtle and bewildering. Watch closely for you wouldn't want to miss the climax and closure this short film has in store for you.

Rogan Josh | Short Film of the Day

With disturbing data that suggests one in every three women in the world has been sexually or physically abused at some point, this short film by UN Women makes a strong case for women's rights. The simple weaving of visuals of different situations are sufficient to convey how unsafe women are at work, in public spaces and at home. Lakeer raises a very important question - where do we draw the line when it comes to violence against women? With a coherent and sophisticated narrative, further coupled with good acting and visuals which are disturbing without even bordering on voyeurism, the short film becomes the kind of content the world needs.

Lakeer | Short Film of the Day

‘Reduva’ or radio is a story marked by immense visual drama that very adroitly portrays all the thematic preoccupations of the film. Ramphal cherishes a gift from long ago, presented to him on the night of his marriage - a radio. His constant companion now in old age, the gadget remains deeply embedded in his life. 

Alongside this endearing equation, however, is the alcoholism of his unemployed son who only brings trouble home in the form of domestic abuse, drunken brawls, and injuries that become a financial strain on the already struggling family. 

The film ropes it all in with seamless visuals that are sustained with control, ensuring that every emotion is presented to the viewer lucidly. While there may be a sense of hope in the manner Ramphal’s grandson comes to his aid and reveals an unexpected, precocious moment of tenderness, the circumstance with his son continues to deteriorate. The story that is thus presented to the viewer is meaningful and involving, allowing the film to share all its intentions with ease.

Reduva | Short Film of the Month

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?

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