Theo lives by himself and is not always super enthusiastic about social interaction, be it over the phone or attending an event with a friend. However, within this life of consciously chosen quiet, an unexpected development occurs one day when a pizza boy arrives with the order. 

Moments of tension which is later undercut, and humor are interweaved seamlessly to present the developing circumstance to the viewer. A conversation ensues between the two characters in the most effortless ways, leading the viewer, and more surprisingly, the protagonist, down some very unexpected paths. In the process, an intimate story of loss, grief, and notably, of shared love between two brothers, comes into existence. 
Never burdened with sentimentalism, the film’s emotional spectrum remains lucid and impactful throughout, ensuring that all its intentions are expressed and portrayed expertly. It is further marked by well-defined visual grammar and progression that bring Theo’s world, as well as his emotional landscape to life, with ease alongside the free-flowing chemistry of the two actors.

Me + Lee | Short Film of the Day

‘Zaara’ is a beautiful, even if heartbreaking, glimpse into the life of the eponymous protagonist. A Pakistani girl in the UK, Zaara lives a life consumed entirely by her creative pursuits of filmmaking. As she struggles to stay afloat in the face of dire financial crisis, tugging at her with full force are also conflicted familial relationships. Located at the heart of debt, emotional burdens of a family that refuses to be supportive (while also suffering in the face of their daughter’s financial choices), Zaara refuses to give up, forever pushing forth. 

 As racist, exploitative debt collectors close in, and the protagonist concocts lies to keep going with the shooting of her film, matters truly come to a head. Accompanying them are tribulations for the family as well, simply because of association with their daughter. 

Though a film of limited resources, ‘Zaara’ leaves no stone unturned in its attempts to weave a poignant story about a young minority voice against the world, which sometimes includes her immediate family and their own sexism. Additionally, it exhibits notable storytelling and an emotional maturity that should be explored in future projects by the team. The character of Zaara is enduring, resilient and flawed in her own ways, precisely what makes her leave a lasting impression in the viewer’s mind. Interacting with her life further, and everywhere that her determination, or even stubbornness, takes her is indeed a prospect to look forward to for the viewer.

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