The narrative is calm and subtle to the extent of keeping the viewer completely unaware about the direction they are headed in with it. By the time they realise where it has led them, they are too deeply involved in this story of voyeurism that does exhibit some signs of concern towards the lives of those the protagonist takes interest in, but mostly seems to invoke a disconcerting sentiment in the viewer. A woman lives by herself, but possesses an unhealthy interest in the lives of her neighbours. Her weapon of choice that allows her to enter their lives without their knowledge is simply a glass, an object she chooses over other people. The story, notably crafted, further makes it a point to reveal that her life is not one which is devoid of friends or loved ones willing to spend time with her. However she makes the choice of keeping herself isolated, and pushing several boundaries of rationality to indulge herself in this unhealthy obsession with the lives of those living next to her.

The Neighbor | Short Film of the Day

The film does a notable job of conjuring an environment of tension right from the word go, involving the viewer deeper and deeper as events begin in unfold in the protagonist's life. When a blind woman finds herself locked inside a house in an empty building, things go downhill at a breakneck speed. Unable to reach out to anyone for help, her fate of entrapment only offers an imminent bleak turn of events to the audience. While the handling of the subject matter exhibits potential, along with a skilled performance by the protagonist, there are a few questions inherent to the narrative whose answers are never provided. For instance why do neighbours, whose manner of addressing suggest intimacy, all empty the building without checking on their blind neighbour who lives by herself, how come days pass by without a concerned friend, albeit in a different city, finding some way to follow up on her, especially when he had last spoken to her in a moment of crisis? The premise also loses point for uniqueness since the subject matter has already found access in mainstream Bollywood. The freshness of it all could have come forth in the execution and portrayal which indeed comes across as a zealous effort, irrespective of the aforementioned concerns.

Ekaki | Short Film Nominee

The story of 11:11 offers an account of one night when a woman is alone by herself in a house. Her recounting of events introduces the viewer to her hearing strange noises in the house every night the moment the clock strikes 11:11. The film employs the background score to heighten the effect of the haunting the protagonist struggles with while being alone in the house in the darkness of shadows and eerie occurrences. The film shares a notable performance by its only actor, as well as a weaving of the narrative that keeps you hooked. The conclusion, however, leaves the viewer uncertain, and perhaps could have benefited from a little more engagement with its premise.

11:11 | Short Film Nominee

Centering itself around a mundane object like a glass of black tea, the short film takes the viewer into the life of a woman. As she perseveres daily to keep her family up on its feet, she is met with several obstacles. From disagreeing with her husband, to ensuring that the family’s financial security is intact, she braves it all, equipped simply with her black tea. Sometimes it waits patiently and loses its steam in the process. Other times, it sizzles and flares in a saucepan. Either way, it is always waiting, silently and loyally, being a quiet sign of dedication, self-sacrifice and strength.

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