Ascendant exists in a beautiful, cinematic, unease-inducing world of its own, developing organically, measuring every step, taking in every progression, before truly revealing its intentions to the viewer. A man wanders around in an abandoned greyhound racing track, allowing himself to take in the glories of the past, the grandeur of an age that has passed him by. As he moves from one corner to another, sipping on a drink from a forgotten bottle, looking at portraits of the greats of the racing world, the narrative draws attention to a sense of admiration within him, perhaps even a longing for a space he cannot inhabit any more. 

Additionally, the black and white cinematography, whether a deliberate choice or technical necessity - adds a sense of disconcertment to the film. It heightens your discomfort with a realm where doe-eyed hounds are pitted against each other, their bone structures humanly-altered to turn them into most optimum racing tools for human recreation. 

While the protagonist may have first allowed us a glimpse into his fascination mixed with curiosity for the lost age, it does not take long for all of it to soon turn to horror, shock and disgust. Do not think for one second that you, the viewer, would be distanced from any of these emotions. The film ensures, as a result of its visual prowess and sophistication, that you feel each of them very deeply. In the process, Ascendant becomes a paradigmatic example of powerful storytelling, which when coupled with technical skill, is capable of producing the most notable results.

Ascendant | Short Film of the Day

Locating itself in the twentieth century, the narrative introduces us to a man who has called in sick to work. His demeanor and the general setting establish a sense of deep unease, something truly amiss simmering right under the surface. As the clock ticks the hours away, we are taken deeper into his life. 

With an unhappy boss, a threatening man whose voice remains an ominous presence throughout, he is now at the heart of a work situation that is gradually getting completely out of hand, despite his best efforts. The narrative makes an earnest effort to involve the viewer further in the travails of this work day that has left the protagonist in an absolute fix. Tension continues to mount, but the physical reality of the character never changes. 

The film utilizes the same, confined space of a single room to take the viewer through the many developments within the plot. The end result, though not entirely devoid of a few loose ends, remains engrossing, all the while exhibiting potential in terms of storytelling and weaving a narrative.

The Call | Short Film Nominee

The short narrative is a sincere endeavor that tips its hat to noir filmmaking. It ropes in the quintessential elements of the genre - crime, the secrets that lurk in shadows, the unforeseen developments that often result in violence and the intrigue that remains inherent to them all. While a woman watches from a dark corner, a man pursues another closely. The latter is in possession of an object the former seeks to secure for himself. However, little are the two men aware that it would eventually belong to neither of them. When the object is finally obtained, it further reveals a key piece of information that then communicates the message intrinsic to the film, one which also serves as an important metaphor in the story. As the darkness of the night stretches endlessly, this object finally finds a home, while also fulfilling the purpose of portraying for the viewer the intentions the film had set out to convey.

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