The 16th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) is set to captivate audiences with a special cinematic package titled “Nagari: A Bioscope for the City.” On Monday, the fourth day of the festival, ten short films focusing on pressing urban issues in Indian cities will be screened, shedding light on diverse aspects of city life through the lens of talented filmmakers.
These carefully selected films are part of the prestigious Nagari Short Film Competition, an annual event designed not only to showcase compelling narratives but also to provide mentorship that assists filmmakers in realizing their creative visions. This competition has emerged as a significant platform for storytelling, addressing critical urban problems while nurturing new talent in the film industry.
The ten films featured in the Nagari package span four years of the competition and delve into the multifaceted landscapes of cities. Each film brings to the fore narratives rich in themes such as housing, ghettoisation, water supply, waste management, public amenities, and the stark disparities in access that characterize many urban settings.
The films to be screened at 3 p.m. at the Nila theatre include:
1. **A City Within a City** by Prachee Bajania and Narendra Mangwani
2. **Beyond Four Walls** by Ritika Banerjee
3. **Udta Banaras** by Apoorva Jaiswal and Manas Krishna
4. **Taal Betal** by Sanchay Bose, Pramathyu Shukla, Shubham Sengupta, and Rudraksh Pathak
5. **Darudi** by Atish Indrekar and Ruchika Chhara
6. **All Day and All of the Night** by Priya Naresh, Palak Patel, and Aniket Kolarkar
7. **Pipe Dream** by Suraj Katra, Jai Mati, Prachi Adesara, and Sitaram Shelar
8. **Hasratein Basrat** by Shikher Pal
9.
. **A Work in Progress** by Oshee Johri and Nipun Prabhakar
10. **Junk-e** by Ayush Ray and Ritam Sarkar
Each of these films uniquely encapsulates the challenges and idiosyncrasies of urban life in India, creating a mosaic that offers viewers a comprehensive glimpse into the city’s soul.
Prachee Bajania and Narendra Mangwani’s “A City Within a City” delves into the microcosms that exist within metropolises, revealing how smaller communities thrive amidst the chaos. Ritika Banerjee’s “Beyond Four Walls” explores the intimate stories of individuals confined by their circumstances yet dreaming of freedom.
“Udta Banaras” by Apoorva Jaiswal and Manas Krishna captures the essence of Varanasi’s airborne pollutants and the impact on its riverside life, while “Taal Betal” by Sanchay Bose and his team tackles the coexistence of opposing realities within the same urban space.
Atish Indrekar and Ruchika Chhara’s “Darudi” presents a poignant look at the consequences of addiction within city limits. On a similar note, “All Day and All of the Night” by Priya Naresh and her collaborators reflects on the relentless grind of urban existence and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
“Pipe Dream” by Suraj Katra and his team turns the spotlight on the infrastructural nightmares plaguing cities, focusing on unreliable water supply and sanitation issues. Shikher Pal’s “Hasratein Basrat” uncovers the emotional and physical barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing public amenities.
Oshee Johri and Nipun Prabhakar’s “A Work in Progress” emphasizes the perpetual state of urban development and its discontents, examining how continuous construction affects city dwellers. Lastly, “Junk-e” by Ayush Ray and Ritam Sarkar takes an unflinching look at the waste management crisis and its repercussions on urban life.
Following the screenings, a panel discussion will be held to delve deeper into the themes and issues raised by the films. This conversation aims to engage filmmakers, critics, and audience members in a discourse on the realities depicted in Nagari and the possible solutions to urbanization challenges.
The IDSFFK continues to be a vital platform for documentary and short films, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Through initiatives like the Nagari Short Film Competition, the festival not only showcases the artistic endeavors of filmmakers but also highlights vital social issues, fostering a greater awareness and dialogue that transcends the boundaries of the silver screen.
The curatorial choice to include these narratives in the IDSFFK underscores the importance of cinema as a reflective medium that inspires thought, provokes discussion, and potentially drives change.
