Without warning or preparation, the short film throws you into a world marked by its immense vastness that is stunning in its beauty and glory, but overwhelming in its scale. This serves a two-pronged purpose of not only catching your attention and ensuring it remains tightly within its grasp throughout, but also establishing a premise that has already begun to invoke unsettling emotions within the viewer. A solitary figure of a woman, her face protected by a gas mask, further underlines the loneliness of this seemingly post-apocalyptic reality where only the wind and the sea break the oppressive silence. 

 Equipped with an economy of dialogue, along with a remarkable background score, the film introduces us to a setting that is defined by a deep sense of isolation. Finding herself to be the only survivor in a massive space, the woman moves from one discarded object to another - rejects and leftovers on which now her survival depends. However, it is the emotional needs of existence that dominate the physical ones in the narrative. The thought gains increasing resonance in a world which is only beginning to come out of a pandemic, after ensuring each of us has waged our own individual battle with despair and seclusion. 

 In the process, West Winds not only becomes a sophisticated example of skill and finesse, but also a much needed expression of the many challenges of mental health. The woman is unnamed and hence could be anyone of us in her quest to find comfort. Her limitless surroundings can thus be viewed as a metaphor for the endless pits of mental and emotional demons. This, in turn, allows the story to communicate not only important lessons on the aforementioned issues of mental health, but also about the significance of companionship, kindness and the warmth of friendship that is capable of enveloping you in an unbreakable armour against the many onslaughts of despondency and hopelessness.

West Winds | Short Film of the Day

The scene is set for a dinner party, a couple is ready to host two of their friends when an unexpected guest confirms his presence too. Everyone is unsure about what Alex has been up to since they lost touch with him. It is this secrecy surrounding him that becomes the driving force of the plot. 

Humor is closely tied with it all to ensure the film remains entertaining and involving throughout. As the dinner party progresses, conversations around the apartment and its perfection (even if it’s a property where pets are not allowed) continue, but the most major chunk of the conversation is about Alex’s very obscure life and existence. There is snooping, going through his wallet and a loud meltdown before the truth can be revealed. 

The film offers a colorful ride until the big revelation, even if exhibiting a few snags when it comes to control over the visual progression and the overall production value. Nevertheless, the storytelling remains light and easy, keeping the viewer very invested in this uplifting story of friendship.

Friend's Best Friend | Short Film Nominee

Audrey is out for a run with her dog, Gus. A seemingly regular affair, however, soon turns into something sinister when Gus runs deeper into the woods, ignoring all of Audrey's urgent calls.The narratorial progression takes place with an economy of dialogue, leaving the viewer to interact more with the ominous events developing before them, along with the sounds that accompany them. 
The plot continues to present question after question as Audrey sights an unusual presence in the woods. Much to her as well as the viewer's horror, Gus runs deeper into the foliage and emerges only after some time has passed. While his coat may be smeared with an unusual, strange substance, everything else still appears unscathed. And yet, Audrey is deeply disconcerted, also leaving the viewer aware of something being truly amiss. The various components of the narrative are presented thus, while being deliberately obscured by doubts and uncertainty. There is also the desire to experiment with visuals and the edit that sews them together. It is a welcome prospect to engage with subsequent parts of the story and unearth the direction it is eventually headed in.

Fleas | Short Film Nominee

The introspection of a cat during isolation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic forms the focal point on which the narrative pivots. The mini-series weaves the story that rests at the heart of the battle against the global outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. Interestingly, it is from the point of view of a cat who is adorable in his laziness, and deeply endearing in his philosophical and existential ruminations. Following an introduction to the said house cat, Catvid-19 becomes a documentation of Mike's experiences and lived reality - capturing the most opportune moments of the kitty's life.
 
From lounging and napping to attempting to dig his way to freedom (well, until he feels sleepy enough for his next nap), from fighting potential foes from behind the glass window to losing his mind fantasizing about the life that once was - the plot offers an adept interaction with the internal workings of the cat's mind. The humour that is evoked at his expense is precisely what the viewer is here for, and Catvid-19 serves it to them most generously.
 
Now, Mike is an especially intense kitty. The fluffball's antics and appearance are in direct contrast with his heavy musings, helping to enhance the humour further, deliberately so, along with being smartly handled.
 
However, once the pandemic isolation ends and the kitty can go out in the world again, there is another interesting dynamic waiting for him as well as the viewer. Whether or not he likes the return to normalcy, where he can once again run into his peers is Mike's problem to solve. He steps out to find that now there are self-righteous ‘Covid babies’, born as a result of their parents isolating at home, to be dealt with.
 
There are also the consequences of an isolation that lasted a little too long, consequences that have changed friends and acquaintances that are waiting to confront our protagonist. And yet, amidst all of this, the series maintains its endearing tone throughout, despite the underlying circumstance of a pandemic that one might momentarily forget while watching Mike. As for those who have come along with him on his adventures, this peek into his life is sufficient to ease them of burdens of an existence that still faces an uncertain future.

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