| TRAILBLAZER | Nilanjana Rudra | |
| DREAMSPINNER | Prem Kumar Tunuri Taranga Banerjee Seemonta Halder | |
| MASTERCRAFTER | Arindam Mondal Nilanjana Rudra Bidisha Ghosh Prem Kumar Tunuri Pulipati Sandeep |
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Trailblazer Award
Very interesting idea. Smart, adequate, effective and economic execution. Excellent use of camera, effect sounds, dialogues and visuals, mindful mis-en-scene – all minimalist but immaculately functional. Sharp editing and spontaneous culmination. The minuscule film is marked by intelligent handling of time and space.
DREAMSPINNER Award
SHORT TERM BREAK by Prem Kumar Tunuri
A matter-of-fact portrayal of the contemporary gadget-savvy, social media obsessed generation of young boys and girls and their alienation even when they are ‘together’. Their friendship and solidarity becomes pronounced when one falls into crisis. This has been treated proficiently.
The appearance, the style, the mood and flavour are in consonance with the theme. This effective alchemy nurtures this chamber film of and by the genexxt from the title shots to the concluding sequence. The cinematography, editing and overall direction are competently done to give the viewer an enriching experience. Dedication of the film to grandfather is significant.
Forgetting the real friend and family, getting glued to all virtual… Somewhere somehow we need that slap to wake up and look at the real also.
MR. SUPERLATIVE by Taranga Banerjee
A good plot and good presentation. The idea is very much about us. Always comparing. The central character with a typical smile on his face acts real good reflecting a common middle class mofussil phenomenon that is subtly portrayed. Otherwise, casting is poor and acting non-expressive. Small errors – like rains on one side and dry on the other side of the road – could have been avoided. Cinematography could have better.
A single-actor film based almost entirely on a long monologue presented as a mobile phone night conversation of a mid-adolescent son with his mother. Touches a soft chord in the heart.
Well-conceived narrative with variation of issues, visuals and moods though the emotions and experiences are well known.
Narrative and mis-en-scene have been intelligently chosen for this rather longish short film — a chamber film — shot in a minimalist set with minimum gadgets. Some stock shots have been used as outdoor scenes. Sound idea, impressive acting despite some weaknesses in technicalities and craft. Economy of dialogues would make the film more terse and impacting. Care about correctness of English language is advised.
MASTERCRAFTER Award
Hello!! From the other side by Arindam Mondal
Good concept, though a very familiar theme. Execution falls. A more tight and sharp editing, was needed to strengthen the forebodings of the protagonist. Overall impressive.
Based on the brilliant idea of capturing the transitory character of ‘imagination’, the minuscule film falters some what in execution. The drawings and animation are competent but does not quite build up to a comprehensible and meaningful conclusion. The music, well known, is effectively used by the end of the film but the message suddenly fizzles out.
Brilliant idea. Beautifully executed on the whole. In the first half, the rural children’s world of innocence, fun, games, injuries and mom’s scolding is portrayed in authentic details. By the later part, there is a smooth transition to the harsh reality of poverty of the ‘children of a lesser God’. The changeover of mood from pleasure to penury is deftly executed. A few shots of the elusive kite would have added to the flavor of film. The doctor’s episode is redundant and adds uncalled for sentimentality. Great acting particularly by the child actors, telling cinematography, very good editing. The concluding subtitle, however, is ambiguous. The orientation of the film may remind one of Shuman Chattopadhyay’s popular song number,’ Petkati chandiyal’
LITTLE HEARTS: BRITANNIA by Prem Kumar Tunuri
An otherwise simple ad film on a popular brand of biscuits. Like chocolates, this has also been projected not only as a side item for tea/coffee but as a symbolic pretext for ‘moments to cherish or celebrate’. A small unexpected twist in the film narrative by the end of the minuscule film by introducing the third gender issue in a smart, elegant, matter-of-fact manner indicates mindful and soulful directorial outlook and ability. Brings a refreshing smile at the end.
Excellent cinematography, acting and ambience. The film has also a documentary flavour in some telling sequences. But by the end, it becomes sermonising and dilutes the essence of the film.
CADBURY DAIRY MILK SILK by Pulipati Sandeep
Promoting chocolates as gifts of love in ad films is an overused idea, but situating that in a library is indeed interesting. The forbidden act of open display and consumption of chocolate in a well-ordered library, with the deliberate use of the familiar TV ad jingle, takes the viewers to an unreal world where only what matters are Cadbury chocolates. The acting, editing and cinematography bear signs of competence-JURY.
