A man and woman sit across the table from each other on a date. The woman is clearly uneasy in the circumstance, not really enjoying the manner in which the conversation is unfolding. The situation is plain and direct, and yet, before the viewer can conclude it thus, the most strange development occurs within the plot - the presence of an unexplained television set that haunts the protagonist. 
 
Alongside this seemingly omnipresent entity, Meg’s love life moves ahead, but not in a direction desired by her. After several attempts to avoid her date’s calls, she reluctantly agrees to meet him again, while the foreboding presence of the screen continues to become more overwhelming. 

Whether you want to read the narrative as a parable of modern day dating, insecurities, acceptance and identity, or a woman’s inability to say no, or of a person seeking comfort outside heteronormative structures, it could perhaps mean all or none of them. Consequently, if one were to attach their own meaning to each symbol and metaphor, ‘Loom’ would be a difficult film to unpack, and thus, it should be consumed as the surreal ride it is, marked not only by elements of sci-fi and psychological horror, but also the absurd when you least expect it.

Loom | Short Film of the Day

Janet is a sincere professional, working diligently from a quiet corner of her home-office. However, the universe has some cruel tricks up its sleeve in the form of unannounced pets that accompany unreliable owners, and her husband’s dirty laundry (quite literally) that never seems to end. The narrative employs humor and drama to take us deeper into the plight of the protagonist. 

Despite trying her best to set boundaries, Janet finds herself at the shorter end of the stick regarding her work. However, is there a diamond in the rut that might turn around this hapless situation into a blessing? 

There is a consistency to storytelling in ‘The Deal’, one that perseveres throughout. The conclusion allows it to tie the loose ends together, taking the story home, all the while having entertained and involved the viewer. The film is marked by its lightness and breeziness, and should be approached thus.

The Deal | Short Film Nominee

'Hello Mattress' is an interesting film to engage with. It is essentially a conversation between a couple, Zak and Sara. As Zak bids on a used (or 'slightly used', as he is quick to point out) mattress, Sara is a bundle of paranoia and anxieties about the origins of the mattress, and why it's current owner might be selling it. 

The conversation progresses to rope in the undead and hitmen looking for stowed away cash, while the narrative maintains its deliberate frivolity throughout. The main strength of the film remains the story it chooses to tell, a single moment in the life of two people. It further goes to show how this moment, simply by itself, is capable of invoking different emotions within the viewer. 

All of this is achieved in under five minutes, while using the same physical space. Though a little undercooked, the film definitely shows potential in its voice and storytelling.

Hello Mattress | Short Film Nominee

A man stands by the curb, waiting to be picked up by someone. The mood is melancholy, marked by dolefulness of color and mannerisms. However, the tension is soon undercut by what follows next. Two people, accompanied by a dog, stop by, and ensure that the protagonist finds himself sandwiched in a very uncomfortable situation. 

The narrative subverts any and all expectations the film’s title may have established so far. Instead of beverages and snacks by the roadside, we are instead met with a very different ‘curb service’. After lightheartedness and teasing, now emotions of loss, grief and death enter the plot, but without making it overbearing. 

The film offers a union of the two moods, and it is indeed in this that its most notable characteristic lies. It is also a welcome prospect to see further exploration of the premise, and overlap of mood and tones in future storytelling endeavors.

Curb Service | Short Film Nominee

The story of ‘Yard Sale’ is of one afternoon when a man is selling off some old items after the passing of his mother. From crock pots to tuxedos to musical instruments and statues of Indian goddesses, there is all kinds of paraphernalia in this sale. While these items may have once constituted the life of a family, now each of them finds a new significance for different customers. 

The film weaves them all together to portray the innumerable ways an object can interact with memory and experience. The same is communicated sometimes through music, song, and dance, and sometimes simply in the form of a verbal exchange between two people. The narrative, though showing the want of a little cohesiveness, is a sweet endeavor in storytelling, and should be appreciated thus. There is further the intention to look at the role of memory and the manner in which it comes to be deeply embedded and entwined with emotions, as well as relationships that define us.

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