In a significant achievement for Indian cinema, “A Lullaby for Yellow Roses,” a poignant short film helmed by Kolkata-based director Rahul Roye, has garnered the Best Social Justice Film award at the 19th Tasveer Film Festival and Market. Known for being the only Oscar-qualifying film festival dedicated to South Asian cinema, Tasveer has made a notable impact in the international film community. This accolade highlights the strength and resonance of Roye’s storytelling abilities.
The 18-minute cinematic piece, produced by Abdullah Al Kandari, features compelling performances by lead actors Trimala Adhikari and Somnath Mandal. Set against the vibrant yet challenging backdrop of Kolkata, the narrative delves deep into the lives of an estranged migrant couple. The film intricately explores their journey toward finding solace and renewed companionship in the wake of losing a girl child, a tragedy compounded by societal customs and entrenched prejudices. Through this lens, “A Lullaby for Yellow Roses” bravely tackles the distressing issue of female feticide, weaving a narrative imbued with sensitivity and empathy.
Director Rahul Roye’s approach to storytelling goes beyond the apparent social issue, shedding light on nuanced gender dynamics in the expressions of grief. Roye, who identifies as gender queer, shares a personal connection with the theme, stating to The Hindu, “Being gender queer, this topic is personal for me. I could never fit myself into the societal gender binaries. I think gender is more of a political tool. The same way grief is also gendered.” This perspective is powerfully mirrored in the film, emphasizing how conventional gender norms often dictate emotional expressions, especially in moments of shared sorrow.
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In crafting the storyline, Roye examines how societal expectations of traditional gender roles can inhibit authentic emotional connections between individuals. The film’s narrative poignantly touches on the theme of masculine vulnerability, questioning why a man is often discouraged from expressing his emotions, even in the sorrowful context of losing a child. This exploration is vividly depicted in the relationship between the film’s central couple, who, despite their deep loss, struggle to find a communicative friendship, impeded as they are by societal expectations of their roles as husband and wife.
“The story started developing when my producer got in touch with me because he wanted to make a film on ‘grief’ and how grief can work as glue between two souls,” Roye explains, reflecting on the developmental journey of the film. The director’s intention was to dissect grief’s power as a transformative force and a profound connector between individuals, despite the adversities they may face.
The acclaim for “A Lullaby for Yellow Roses” is not confined to Tasveer; the film has been showcased at over 87 film festivals worldwide, including esteemed Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying events such as Flickerfest in Australia, the Brussels Short Film Festival, and the London Short Film Festival, among others. This global journey underscores the universal relatability and impact of its storyline.
Roye is no stranger to critical acclaim, having previously directed the celebrated queer film “Man & Wife,” which centers around a nonbinary person navigating the complexities of identity just before an arranged marriage. Looking forward, the director is immersed in an exciting new project exploring the concept of masculinity from a trans perspective in contemporary India. This forthcoming short film has been meticulously developed over the past two years and is now entering pre-production, promising to blend Roye’s flair for nuanced, thought-provoking narratives with compelling social commentary.
As the curtain falls on this year’s Tasveer Film Festival, the well-deserved recognition for “A Lullaby for Yellow Roses” stands as a testament to its poignant storytelling and Roye’s exceptional directorial vision. Through their work, Roye continues to challenge societal conventions and provoke critical conversations, fostering a broader understanding of the human experience across diverse contexts.
