When approaching a story of a mother and daughter and their day-to-day life, the first assumption about their familial space can often be fraught with anxiety or conflict. The world of 'Lavender', on the other hand, is far from it. It offers a loving mother, Fern, who always found joy in the small things, and her concerned, and equally loving daughter, Violet. However, a life of domesticity that could have been marked by perfection otherwise, is afflicted by illness. 

A realm of soft, diffused, lavender-tinged visuals is conjured to portray Fern’s reality for us, a mind that now lives in a realm of memories and days long gone by. The narrative also does its bit to talk about dementia and the many ways in which it affects not only the person battling it, but also their caregivers. 

While Fern and Violet’s equation might not be defined by interpersonal conflict, it is indeed defined by tribulations and obstacles of its own. The engagement with the same becomes the driving force of the plot, eventually leaving the viewer with a quiet story of love, loss and the entropy that can sometimes define human existence.

Lavender | Short Film Nominee

Florence is celebrating her sixtieth birthday with her family, but despite the celebration, a dark pall is cast on the moment. Right underneath the cheer, a dark development simmers, waiting to make its presence felt at the slightest provocation. Soon the viewer is introduced to the protagonist’s battle with dementia, and the many devastating and irrevocable ways in which it has begun to affect every aspect of her life. 

Despite the love and support of her two concerned children, Sarah and Matt, along with an important work project up her sleeve, one about composing music for a reinterpretation of a Russian fairy tale, Florence now finds herself battling a disease, a disconcerting reality that simply cannot be overcome. 

Through the many conversations that the narrative holds with its protagonist, and the metaphors that are conjured in the process, the film does more than its bit to raise awareness about not only the illness, but also how it affects the loved ones of those afflicted with it. The writing is sensitive, the performances dedicated and earnest. Consequently, the end result becomes a whole that educates, but also, presents its story with sincerity.

The Cleverest Thief | Short Film Nominee

The film has an interesting premise, one pivoting on roundabouts and a man's absolute appreciation and devotion towards them. When a town's redevelopment project, led by the formidable Victor Dalton, decides to downscale the roundabouts in the name of providing more residential space, Roger Redmond takes it upon himself to launch a one-man-onslaught against the authorities. The plot is supplemented with an emotional range that allows the viewer to feel like a participant in the events that are unfolding - be it in the scepticism and ridicule of the reporter documenting Redmond's fight, in the sheer persistence of Redmond himself or in the apprehensions of both the characters as well as the audience that are eventually overcome by a common cause uniting people. Essentially, the film is positioned as a feel-good story of a solitary figure who has chosen to go against the mighty. However, after having stood alone in an empty field as protest with no one else for support, and seemingly abandoned on an important day even by the reporter who had been a constant companion on all his (mis?)adventures so far, will he truly achieve what he has set out to?

Anorak | Short Film Nominee

The introspection of a cat during isolation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic forms the focal point on which the narrative pivots. The mini-series weaves the story that rests at the heart of the battle against the global outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. Interestingly, it is from the point of view of a cat who is adorable in his laziness, and deeply endearing in his philosophical and existential ruminations. Following an introduction to the said house cat, Catvid-19 becomes a documentation of Mike's experiences and lived reality - capturing the most opportune moments of the kitty's life.
 
From lounging and napping to attempting to dig his way to freedom (well, until he feels sleepy enough for his next nap), from fighting potential foes from behind the glass window to losing his mind fantasizing about the life that once was - the plot offers an adept interaction with the internal workings of the cat's mind. The humour that is evoked at his expense is precisely what the viewer is here for, and Catvid-19 serves it to them most generously.
 
Now, Mike is an especially intense kitty. The fluffball's antics and appearance are in direct contrast with his heavy musings, helping to enhance the humour further, deliberately so, along with being smartly handled.
 
However, once the pandemic isolation ends and the kitty can go out in the world again, there is another interesting dynamic waiting for him as well as the viewer. Whether or not he likes the return to normalcy, where he can once again run into his peers is Mike's problem to solve. He steps out to find that now there are self-righteous ‘Covid babies’, born as a result of their parents isolating at home, to be dealt with.
 
There are also the consequences of an isolation that lasted a little too long, consequences that have changed friends and acquaintances that are waiting to confront our protagonist. And yet, amidst all of this, the series maintains its endearing tone throughout, despite the underlying circumstance of a pandemic that one might momentarily forget while watching Mike. As for those who have come along with him on his adventures, this peek into his life is sufficient to ease them of burdens of an existence that still faces an uncertain future.

Catvid-19

Catvid-19: Lockdown

CATVID-19: Contagion

The protagonist goes about his day, from one task to another. However, a constant presence never leaves him alone, insidiously hovering over his shoulder all along. It doesn't matter if he stands before a mirror, or a sink doing mundane chores, the other man is forever present. Despite the premise, a man following another and appearing most unexpectedly and strangely, its treatment remains lighthearted and easy, ensuring that no sinister underpinnings define the story. Devoid of any dialogue until the very end, the plot continues to develop. When the first and only verbal exchange arrives, the mystery is finally cleared. The end product is simple, direct, and though marked by a few rough edges, remains sweet, and sincere in its intentions.

Andrew Ball-Shaw

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