The complexity of some experiences demand more than one medium for an expression. The short film is clear evidence of the same proposition as it ropes in poetry, dance, and the written word itself which forms the body of the narration. In addition to this, it includes a performance that suddenly finds itself in a place in direct contrast with all the lyricism, vastness of setting, and fluidity expressed so far - the confines of a drab corner, marked by its pale greys, where two people sit discussing a letter. The entirety of the narrative becomes a movement predominantly towards this moment in time, one that stands for not only a conflicted relationship between a son and his mother at a microcosmic level, but also the experience of understanding your identity. The idea of home and belonging, and what it truly means to have the same tied to the identity of your parents, or more specifically, as the title suggests, a mother, then becomes the concern at a more macrocosmic level. The film exhibits sophistication in its forward motion, as each of these thoughts is brought to life on screen, allowing the plot a cohesive structure. In the process, it further enables the narrative to share its intentions with an emphatic clarity while coupled with a surreal flow of images all along that more than fulfil their aim of communicating the meaning behind them.

Mother/Land | Short Film of the Day

The short poetic narrative, drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou’s 'Still I Rise', conjures a visually notable creative endeavor for you. It brings to life a plot marked the fluidity of bodily movement which, in turn, articulates a fluidity of thought. 

 The parkour and acrobatics further rope in a weightlessness akin to flying, perhaps further suggesting a flight from one's mortal inhibitions and limitations. These are tied with a poetic voiceover that asserts the same ideas of finding your own invincible self, irrespective of the obstacles that might be strewn in your way. 

 The brief final result that weaves the various elements together is a stunning thing to watch, one that invokes a sense of deep admiration and awe for everything the human body is capable of, thereby further reminding one of not only our physical but also mental and emotional capabilities. Essentially, the film is a putting together of a brilliant performance by way of sophisticated camerawork, and it is precisely through this lens that it should be viewed.

Icaro | Short Film of the Day

The film is an endeavor in exploring the oppressive and absolutely overwhelming nature of mental struggles. The same is engaged with in an experimental manner, which further ropes in poetry and moments of heightened tension. 

The protagonist stands by himself in a seemingly endless open space, conjuring the metaphor of isolation and loneliness within his own mind. While trying to come to terms with his overthinking as well as judgement, in the face of a world which is equally judgmental, he presents an image of the battles he is waging. 

After having conjured the dark thematic concerns of the plot, the film also offers a moment of hope, an idea on which it closes, one that further unpacks the title. There is indeed a suggestion of solidarity to be found too, that indeed you are not alone in these battles, and the same is shared with the viewer with lucidity.

I Promise | Short Film Nominee

With the narration of Eliza Paul Gurney's Time as its pivotal point, the short film develops its narrative. It is simply an engagement with the poem, and thus the inherent ideas the parent text carries within itself. The same is mapped against visuals that mark the passage of time from one stage of life to another. While the piece in itself was written about three centuries ago, it goes to emphasise the relevance of the message it harbours within all these years later, perhaps further asserting the cyclical nature, as well as the inexorable, forever moving current of time. The metaphors and visuals it employs to convey it all are the usual suspects - an hour glass, falling sand, images of infancy and childhood, soon followed by those of a later stage in life. As they follow one after another in a smooth fashion, there is further an interaction invoked with the ideas of hope and how they come to define each of these stages, experiences and life as a whole. And it is in this intermingling of poetry and filmmaking that the viewer is presented with an enduring truth about time - the mute spectator at the margins, standing witness to all of mankind's successes, progress, and perhaps, an eventual downfall.

Time | Short Film Nominee

The film, marked by its vibrant visuals, takes flight into fantasy, but to talk of a concern that is very deeply rooted in our real world. A story which straddles both realms in such a manner is indeed worthy of conversation and dialogue. When it opens, the narrative draws you to a fantastical space where butterflies are dying one by one. As humans continue to expand their control over the world, the butterfly population is left to only the last few queens who have gathered to find a solution to protect themselves from extinction. It is precisely at this juncture when fantasy overlaps with reality to bring to life a very relevant issue of contemporary times, a cause of deep concern globally, and specifically in the western world — the dangerously low population of butterflies. To convey its intentions and bring to life all its underpinnings, the film also embellishes itself with skilled movement of its performers, attention to costume and makeup, and music and poetry. The climax and the eventual conclusion further highlights its core message, the eventual goal towards which the plot was moving all along, reminding you of your role amidst this narrative of magic and song.

Dreams of the Last Butterflies | Short Film Nominee

Peter has found himself in a terrible circumstance. Despite his best efforts, he is unable to find the inspiration to finish a creative endeavor he had set out to work on with much enthusiasm. 
Except for the title, the page before him remains blank, with no thoughts to even allow him the start that he so desperately seeks. He ropes in his best friend, Damian, as well, in this attempt to find inspiration. In the process, the narrative presents to us an interesting turn of events, ensuring that writing becomes the most noteworthy aspect of the endeavor. 

While it stands to gain from stability in its visuals, the storytelling exhibits potential, marked by a sense of hope and endearment. It is with the same perspective that ‘The Undeniable Will of a Sparrow’ should be approached and interacted with.

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