Set in the near future, a dystopia where complete totalitarianism and misogyny rule over the state, the short film revolves around the courage and strength of one woman. The protagonist is an acclaimed Bharatnatyam dancer who is forcibly removed from her family. Her memories are erased and she is thrown in a hellish jail, the Cell. For her, like many other inhabitants of the Cell, the crime was being more independent and successful than her male counterpart. 
Soon, the protagonist starts to remember glimpses of her past - a disapproving husband, arguments with her daughter, but more importantly her art, her dance. The narrative does a notable job of communicating all of these emotions, and tying them with the most effortless and skilled dance sequence. The intense performance, with graceful yet hard-hitting movements, thus becomes an expression of revolt against oppression and patriarchy. As the protagonist conjures a fluidity and litheness of the body on screen, the message is allowed a fitting portrayal for the viewer to engage with.

Colors: Saffron | Short Film of the Day

This short documentary talks about the journey of a strong, resilient woman, a survivor, a dreamer, Sheela. Living in rural Kerala as a child, Sheela was athletic and loved doing odd jobs such as climbing and plucking jackfruit from the trees, cleaning the insides of the well and so on. 
She aspired to become a police officer, fearless and just, that would have eventually allowed her to do what most women in India cannot - roam freely on the streets after the sun sets. However, pressures of marriage and the pressing need to provide for her family ensured that Sheela's dreams never achieved fruition. Today, being a working member of one of the largest women groups, Kudumbasree, Sheela is confident and self-sufficient. She lives to inspire others to pursue their dreams and passion. The short narrative brings to life a story of hope and strength, and leaves the viewer with an uplifting and heartwarming message.

SHEela | Short Film Nominee

Trigger warning: sexual assault, graphic content 

Based on the pressing issue of sexual assault and women’s safety in the Indian subcontinent, the film follows the perpetrators of heinous crimes and the treatment meted out to them by the judicial system. When a woman's two-wheeler-vehicle breaks down in the middle of a deserted road, two goons take advantage of the circumstance to sexually assault her. A passer-by, trying to prevent the crime, is killed in the process too. 
The police soon rounds up the culprits after identifying them with the help of CCTV footage and conclusive DNA tests. It is against these developments that the film brings to life a discussion on the various loopholes within the justice system that are often exploited by perpetrators. There is further a vivid and graphic portrayal of police brutality and encounters, even though the narrative itself remains on the fence about its stand on the same and does not engage with the problematic aspects of these issues. On the whole, the final result aims at bringing awareness about crimes against women, along with hope for better administration and implementation of laws in the future.

Section 376 | Short Film Nominee

The comment the short narrative wants to make is one about women’s safety. When a woman finds herself alone with a man in an elevator, with her house on the twentieth floor, she cannot help but experience deep distress. In the loneliness of the confined space of a lift, she realizes she is completely at the mercy of the man, her sole companion. 

By presenting this reality to you, the plot paints the picture of the anxieties women undergo on a daily basis regarding their safety. Additionally, the narrative acquires an educational tone to leave the viewer with an important bit of information if they find themselves cornered in such a situation. The final result, though showing a little want of tightness in the execution of its idea, remains honest and well-meaning in its attempts.

The Elevator | Short Film Nominee

Food, the essence of all life forms, the nutritional value which fuels our souls as they carry the corporeal, physical burden of existence, is the outcome of days and nights of laborious hard work. For others, it is a reason for celebration, and even a space of comfort and solace during bleak times. This short film, however, explores a darker interpretation of food. Here, it refers to be preyed upon, to be at the receiving end of gruesome, self-satisfying motives of ravenous humans. It follows three lewd characters who prey on a young school girl, denying her the chance of an innocent, happy childhood. It states how years of toxic masculinity and patriarchy has reduced women to an object, something to be grabbed as and when liked. It emphasizes the regularity of terrible crimes against women and young girls, and how such unfathomable events can take place almost anywhere.

Food | Short Film Nominee

The film opens with a small hiking lantern being placed on uneven, muddy ground with two voices discussing the ideal place for setting up their camp. A mutual decision of exploring further and later coming back for the lantern is made. A couple of hours before, in a different part of the forest, a wildlife enthusiast, out on a hike alone, requests a lift from an incoming SUV driver. 
In the unsettling and mysterious depths of the forest, a set of unexplained developments take place. It is the image of rope knots, a loud thud and a pair of wet slippers that are invoked within the narrative, aiming to disconcert the viewer further. However, when the events have all played themselves out, what will truly be the fate of the characters?

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