The narrative of the documentary follows a fairly interesting subject - the skateboarding community of Kochi. Through its interaction with the many skateboarders of the Fly Squad, the short film offers a wonderful and sincere portrayal of their highs and lows, the obstacles strewn in their path, and their dedicated and single-minded efforts to overcome them. Essentially, the story is of hope and never quitting irrespective of what the journey throws your way in the form of financial problems, lack of facilities, gender discrimination (not by the skateboarding community, but society itself who finds it difficult to allow women and young girls into public space) and so much more. This is further enhanced by skilled camerawork and shots of a city exhibiting finesse and potential for much more in the future projects of the team. In all, the film is a reminder to keep working towards something you truly believe in, and allowing it to become your very own personalised expression of freedom.

Free Flying | Short Film of the Day

The film is intended to pay tribute to the community and service of sanitation workers which is oft
neglected. In India, where it is the feudal caste system that is deployed to oppress and determine the
occupation of a whole section of people, the sanitation workers are placed at the lowest ladder of that
hierarchy. In the mode of a graphic novel, The Saviour tells a tale of affirmation. However, it seems as the film only depicts one part of the narrative. Some development of the plot, even in its episodic structure, would have helped highlight better
the point the film wishes to put across. Overall, it should be noted that marked by pretty visuals, the film has its heart in the right place.

The Saviour | Short Film Nominee

Dharohar documents a community of artist/artisans based in a small village in Chhattisgarh. Despite
having been awarded prestigious national and international honours, the community has lagged behind in its
means. Members of the community of generational artists who practised the craft have been forced to
give it up and find employment in the nearby brick-making factories. The film points to the imbalanced
power nexus in the capitalist market which divides the artist from the artisan, exploits both, profits off
their labour and keeps them impoverished. 
Looking at the conditions and confessions of the craftsmen, one could never have known of their
invaluable skill; and that is a deplorable plague of the system.

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