The short film, devoid of any extravagance, is a poignant, subtle and nuanced exploration of a distinct kind of unease; one of a first date between an immigrant Afghan woman and a second generation Afghan man, meeting each other for an arranged marriage. Though awkward and marked by long pauses at the start, the conversation soon begins to pick momentum between Samira and Harun. However, a seemingly obtrusive trilling of the latter's phone breaks them out of their shared moment, perhaps suggesting the stark differences of their lived realities despite the overlaps that exist. As longing for a homeland that has been left behind comes to predominate the narrative, there is also a reminder for the viewer that the two characters are struggling to come to terms with the situation they have found themselves in. The film wonderfully explores an interaction with a new culture, an act often fraught with tension and anxiety. A quiet celebration of identity, it is also a moving delineation of two strangers who, while grappling with alien territory, also try to find some form of comfort and solace in each other.

Our Kind of Love | Short Film of the Day

The night is set for Carter’s second date when things begin to devolve into absolute chaos. As he prepares for her arrival, the doorbell announces a very different and unexpected guest - a hallucination. This hallucination of Carter's date is soon joined by his friends, an ex lover and even the neighborhood homeless guy. 

The film does not miss a single beat in developing action and maintaining the fast, seamless flowing movement of all the events. While our protagonist finds himself at the heart of a situation spiralling clearly and completely out of his control, the viewer is allowed to share his anxiety. Supported notably by all of the characters, the film further maintains a colorful, engaging progression of the narrative. 

‘Pizza for Carter’ is relatable because who are we lying to when we say we haven’t carried the burden of half a dozen people, and their expectations, when going for an important rendezvous, romantic or otherwise? The film simply takes a step further to paint a very literal version of this reality. It is endearing, and presents a lovely union of humor and tension that is sure to keep you with it right till the very end.

Pizza For Carter  | Short Film of the Month

There is something especially entertaining about a story which refuses to stick to the confines of a single genre. Would it be a romance, thriller, fantasy? Or would it be a fling with comedy or perhaps even surrealism? The narrative adroitly raises all of these doubts without becoming overbearing. In the process, it further introduces us to a quirky, endearing protagonist in Susan who has arrived in a park for a rendezvous fixed over dating platforms.

 Though awkward at the start (subtly put), the meeting soon turns out to be a lovely bike-ride in an idyllic landscape of greenery, rocks and streams. During the course of the narrative we also learn of the protagonist's interest in not just witchcraft and the occult, but also quilting, her current field of study. 

 The plot is notable in the manner in which it swiftly and smoothly switches the tone and the mood with the revelation of a single piece of information, immensely shocking and terrifying when presented to the viewer. Additionally, the short film comes across as a concise, engaging and interesting product of storytelling and filmmaking. It is a welcome prospect to be able to experience it as a longer project sometime in the future.

Adventure Date! | 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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