One of the most appealing characteristics of art is to take something raw and aggressive and channel it into something beautiful and constructive. This assertion forms the backbone of the film, not for its own efforts to achieve this positive outcome, but due to the compelling account it offers of an initiative that does precisely the same. 

Steel Warriors is the documentation of the eponymous charity which encourages people to hand over their knives which are then recycled, followed by using the resultant steel to make outdoor gyms. Through the voices that the narrative brings in, these efforts, and the gyms they have led to, acquire an artistic appeal of their own, the status of an exalted piece of art itself. Further, a sense of community is conjured as the structures are then used for calisthenics, and the gravity-defying performances they eventually lead to. 

 The film is especially beautiful in the quiet, but powerful notions of hope it brings to life by using experiences of those who overcame obstacles to train themselves in these movements of the body, and in the process, allowed the activity to become the very tool that helped them triumph over those obstacles. The narrative remains crisp with the brevity being a strong characteristic, along with an elegant edit, lovely visuals, and the simple, lucid manner in which all of the intentions are tied together in the final product.

Steel Warriors | Short Film of the Day

Eating clean and having experts and trained professionals aiding your workouts and journey towards a healthier lifestyle seems like a wholesome enough choice, won't you agree? Several of us might even be tempted to ask, "Where can I sign?". And yet, when the film presents us with the same proposition, it is far from comforting. 

The eponymous protagonist, who binge eats and plays video games, along with having a sedentary job that does not require him to move away from his desk, collapses while accepting a pizza delivery one day. When he wakes up, it is in a room which is in direct contrast with the life he had led so far. The dingy, dark corners of his cluttered living quarters are replaced by wide shots of a minimalist, white room. The latter set of visuals, however, instead of invoking calm, introduce to the narrative a deep unease. It's not simply the visuals which accentuate a contrast, but also the sentiment being conjured on screen - for instance, Alvin's feverish panic as opposed to the doctor's calmness. 

One by one, Alvin is introduced to more characters at this strange facility which has already taken the liberty of installing a micro-chip in his body. While a sense of disconcertment had been all pervasive so far, it finally becomes palpable and unsettling for the first time at this juncture. From an unfazed nurse to an enthusiastic doctor, everyone assures Alvin that he has nothing to worry about, but what truly lies behind these assurances and promises is the question that persistently looms overhead. It is sufficient to say that Christy Anna Wu proves her prowess in storytelling and weaving engaging narratives in no equivocal manner with this offering in Alvin. Her mind indeed is a dark place, and you would not want to be inside it. However, as for our protagonist, who has followed the prescribed diet of some repulsive smoothie-like drinks and exercised regularly, will all of this truly be his road to a healthier, happier life?

Alvin | Short Film Nominee

A stuntwoman is quarantined with her brother who refuses to move away from the couch, video games and heaps of chips packets. However, she is determined to train and well, get him to train along with her. When two such opposing energies collide, can something productive truly come out of it? The film embraces a humorous approach to explore the answer to the question. The first biggest obstacle is to convince the brother to step outside and start stretching. After overcoming the hurdle of unannounced hunger pangs, they finally begin exercising when a stray punch finds the wrong destination, and thus begins a run and chase of the siblings. Direct and straightforward in its manner, the film is also sweet. Though it could have gained from more control on its light and visuals, on the whole it comes across as exhibiting the desire to share a day in the life of two siblings as comic relief in a world where the reality of a pandemic has become overpowering and overwhelming.

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