The territory of consent is not simply confined to explicit gestures or dialogue, non-verbal cues form a major, undeniable part of it. This is indeed the nuance which, despite its palpability, is often overlooked by partners while engaging in a sexual encounter. The short film is a conversation with the same unease a woman feels with a lover during a shared moment of intimacy. While the viewer can feel the progressive rise of the disconcertment, the lover is far from the same comprehension of the situation. The verbal exchange in the film is frugal, employing an economy of words. The partnership of its only two actors suffices to bring the emotions to life in a powerful, hard-hitting manner, leaving no doubt in the viewer's mind about the intention of the plot. The tightness of the visuals carries a strong emotional revelation, but instead of subscribing to a place of love, affection and comfort, they bring to life an underlying tension, threatening to become more and more perceivable with every passing moment. Potentially triggering for some, the film is unequivocal and clear in its discussion of thematic concerns that are often relegated to a world of uncertainty and the greys, whereas being far from the obscurity that is often used to shield one's own over-stepping of boundaries, especially when it comes to matters of sex, relationships and a woman's consent.

You Disappeared Again | Short Film of the Day

In a patriarchal world, harassment and more serious instances of assault on women are often normalized both for and by women to a disturbing extent. It is precisely for this reason a woman in the film finds herself capable of mentioning a terrible experience from her recent past to a current date, simply as a passing, flippant comment. When the information is shared right on the heels of a sexual encounter, it alters things significantly for the man, leaving him uncertain about the decisions he should make next. 

 The film is a compelling conversation on the very pertinent issue of consent and the location of women in heteronormative sexual encounters. It exhibits a genuine and relevant engagement with the thought, handling the aftermath of such an incident in a sensitive and intelligent manner. 

 Additionally, there is also the attempt to explore the male experience vis-a-vis a deeply traumatic event in a woman's life that can leave him shaken and unsure of how to comprehend his own emotions which could be anything from a complete disavowal of responsibility to guilt, concern and accountability. Sí introduces us to a crucial moment one night, presenting the viewer with important propositions for them to tackle on their own. Having said that, it would be interesting to see the film's premise developed further in a longer project or in subsequent parts of the short film.

Sí | Short Film Nominee

A woman is excited to finally meet a man she has admired and adored for a long time. However, despite the air of excitement and cheer, the viewer can sense a suggestion of something dark brewing right under the surface. As the date commences, the woman arrives to meet a man several years her senior. Despite an initial, brief unease, the night continues to develop seamlessly. 

Though the narrative hints at unsavoury aspects in the past of both characters, they are never taken all the way or located more significantly within the narrative. What unfolds eventually is a story of clearly violated consent, and sexual assault, unlike what the title may have suggested at first glance.

The end result is sincere in sharing its intentions, and presents a glimpse of the storytelling skills of its predominantly young team.

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