The Kannada short film, “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know,” has successfully clinched a spot in the coveted Oscars 2025, boosting its growing list of accolades with recognition in the highly competitive Live Action Short Film category. This marks a remarkable achievement for the innovative piece of cinema, directed by the emerging talent Chidananda S Naik.
The film, which has a runtime of just 15 minutes, originated as part of a project at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) where Chidananda showcased his storytelling prowess. This exercise effectively highlights the talent nurtured at the institute, which has now been catapulted onto the global stage with this Oscars qualification. Chidananda’s narrative encapsulates a riveting folklore-inspired story that resonates deeply with audiences, both locally and internationally.
In May 2024, “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know” already made waves in the film world when it secured the esteemed La Cinef prize for Best Short at the Cannes Film Festival. This award not only marked the film’s potential but also established its place among the standout films screened at Cannes that year, indicating Chidananda’s capability to weave an impactful narrative in a limited timeframe.
Further adding to its list of commendations, the film gained significant attention when FTII proudly announced via social media on November 5, 2024, that “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know” had qualified for Oscars contention. This announcement came shortly after the film took top honors at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival, fortifying its status as a cultural ambassador of Kannada cinema.
At the heart of “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know” is a storyline steeped in regional folklore, a narrative choice that celebrates and reimagines traditional tales for modern viewers. The film unfolds around the seemingly simple act of an elderly woman’s theft—a rooster, specifically—that spirals into dramatic consequences for an entire village.
. With the rooster gone, the resulting chaos pushes the villagers into a frantic mission to recover the bird and, symbolically, to reclaim the sunlight that the rooster supposedly controlled. This story is not only infused with cultural nostalgia but also works allegorically, exploring deeper themes of loss, community, and myth.
The short film owes much of its evocative ambiance to the collective creative efforts of its talented crew. Cinematographer Suraj Thakur has beautifully captured the serene yet compelling landscape and emotional depth of the film, while editor Manoj V has meticulously crafted a narrative that flows with both urgency and grace. The auditory experience, which plays a crucial role in immersive storytelling, has been masterfully designed by Abhishek Kadam, whose sound design skillfully complements the visual storytelling.
The combination of these elements—directorial vision, gripping narrative, rich cinematography, precise editing, and immersive sound design—has crafted a short film that not only honors the legacy of Kannada folklore but also presents it to the world with a fresh and universal appeal. The film’s success represents a significant milestone for Indian cinema, particularly for regional films that are continually gaining recognition on international platforms.
With such impressive credentials and storytelling prowess, “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know” promises to captivate Oscar audiences and jury members alike. Its journey from a student exercise at FTII to the glittering opportunity of an Academy Award encourages other filmmakers and students to harness their cultural roots and personal narratives to craft stories that traverse and transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.
As the Oscars 2025 draws near, anticipation builds around this unique Kannada film, which not only aims to achieve further recognition but stands as a testament to the storytelling potential within Indian cinema. “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know” is more than just a film; it is a cultural beacon that shines a light on both the rich traditions and contemporary talents of Kannada cinema.
