In a traditional Indian set-up, women are often relegated to the space of domesticity within a family, with little outlet or options for understanding their personal, unique desires. The short film is an engagement with this thought as it takes the viewer into a single day in the life of a housewife. Married to a callous, distanced husband, she works hard at being a supportive, loving partner, but is only met with rejection and dismissal at every step. If on the one hand she recounts the story of a bird trapped in a gold cage, on the other, there is also an indication of an increasing amount of bitterness trickling into her own personality, making her cynical and weary of the world around her. The writing of the film deserves a mention for bringing out these elements that constitute her life, as well as portraying an intimate, but often denied part of her personality - her relationship with dance. The narrative finally concludes with the suggestion that perhaps it could have been her performance art that would have let her to be who she truly desired, finally allowing the trapped bird to soar free. However, in this existence, that remains far from being her reality.

Jhanak | Short Film Nominee

Domestic abuse remains one of the harshest realities of our patriarchal society. However, what is even more disturbing than this truth itself is the silence around this form of assault - be it verbal, physical or sexual. And to make matters worse, women who are meted out this violent treatment are coerced and forced into keeping the abuse a secret often by their own family members and loved ones, leaving them even more isolated. The short film is a discussion around the same issues which it offers by taking us into an ordinary morning in a married woman's life. As soon as wakes up, the bruises on her face make the reality of the previous night evident for the viewer. From hiding the discolouration on her face, to forcing herself to smile when she looks at her reflection, the film makes a notable case for driving its point home, further complemented by the performance of its only actor. The visuals, however, stand to gain from a little stability.

Chuppi | Short Film Nominee

Trishna is a short film about a young writer, Aisha who, on her visit to a deserted archaeological site, ends up finding much more than an untold story. Wandering about the ruins, the protagonist comes across an unlikely companion - a woman named Trishna who stands still in her traditional attire, observing the former quietly. A friendship strikes between the two as they talk about their life and experiences. 
Both of them tour the site together and Trishna, being a local, shares the many stories about its history and significance. However, within the narrative rests an uncanny truth about her, waiting to be eventually revealed to a shocked Aisha.

Udbhavi Upadhyay

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