Sometimes it is the small things that pack the biggest punch. This is something that proves true when you look at short films on women-centric issues. With powerful storytelling, these films are powerful tools for reflecting the plight of women in different scenarios and creating awareness. These films are not just for entertained, they are also a way to initiate conversations on topics that are often too comfortable for us to address.
Exploring social issues with depth and shedding light on challenges faced by women in our society, here are some women-centric short films that you must watch.
#1. Devi
This is one the most haunting and thought-provoking short film that came during 2020. It tells the story of sexual violence from the lens of victims. Revealing harrowing reality of sexual assault faced by nine women of different age groups, all gathered in a small room, this film definitely leaves a mark. The story-telling and the powerful ensemble cast will leave you with a deep sense of unease. What’s more scary is the relevance of it that doesn’t seem to be fading any time soon sadly.
#2. That Day After Everyday
Everyday sexism and harassment that many women have to go through in the country is not a hidden reality. Anurag Kashyap’s “That Day After Every Day” addresses just that. It follows lives of three women who regularly face eve-teasing and harassment on their way to work. How sexism can be limiting and suffocating for women be it at homes, streets and offices is what the film highlights. Tired of living in distress every day, they decide to take matters into their own hands and confront their harassers. Backed with powerful acting by Radhika Apte, Arannya Kaur, Geetanjali Thapa and Sandhya Mridul, this women-centric short film would invest you in as a viewer by channeling your fear and anger.
#3. Juice
This short film is a simple yet thought-provoking commentary on the traditional perspectives of gender roles and expectations that our society places on Women. Revolving around a typical middle-class gathering, where women are relegated to the kitchen to cater and serve men’s needs, who are relaxing in living room. Observing this thankless presumed expectation of labor expected from women, Manju, played by Shefali Shah, leads a silent rebellion with a glass of juice and a seat in the living room serving as a strong metaphor for her individuality and dignity. The unspoken gender inequalities in Indian households are so ingrained in our minds at times that we forget to question that or even bat an eyelid, and this is the reason you should watch this short film.
#4. Khaney Mein Kya Hai?
Crisp, subtle and exciting in its storytelling, Khaney Mein Kya Hai?, address the biggest taboo subject of our society – Sex. A mother and daughter’s unlikely conversation around love, sex and orgasm by drawing comparisons to food is brilliant. Leaving behind the time when sex in marriage was all about male preferences, the film draws attention to women’s sexuality and choices. With just three, talented actress – Ayesha Raza Mishra, Shikha Talsania and Swachata Guha – this film is a must-watch, especially if you dare to see it with your mother!
#5. Naked
This film explores the dark world of online harassment and objectification of women. When scenes from an actress’s intimate scenes from a film are leaked online what follows is a barrage of shaming, judgement and unwanted attention. Along with this the short film takes a jab at the shallowness of entertainment journalism, while provoking a debate on better understanding of violence against women. Strongly performed by Kalki Kochelin and Ritabhari Chakraborty, the short film highlights the societal tendency to vilify women while excusing or ignoring the behavior of men.
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#6. Going Dutch
Everyday Sexism at play between gender roles in India couldn’t have been made more apparent and apt by any other film as brilliantly as this 5-minute women-centric short. Starring Gul Panag and Sanjay Rajoura the film address how misconstrued the idea of being a “feminist” is for men when faced with an independent and opinionated woman. The modern woman is educated, can make her own in decisions, is financially independent, but guess we forgot to inform the men and society to change their thinking with times, right? Watch this short film to get the answer.
#7. Ghar Ki Murgi
A compelling short film highlighting importance of acknowledging and valuing often-overlooked contributions and toils of homemakers. Sakshi Tanwar plays the center character, a middle-class housewife who feel undervalued and unappreciated by her family despite her hard work and dedication. Ghar Ki Murgi vividly portrays her inner turmoil and the silent sacrifice she endures. When her husband mocks her side business of running a parlour and her contribution within the house are taken for granted, it brings her to a breaking point. The narrative takes a powerful turn when she confronts her family about their lack of recognition for her efforts.
#8. Everything is Fine
A strong and powerful story of a tired housewife and mother of verge of a breakdown. It shows how a woman is truly never on a break, even when she is on a vacation, unable to express her wants, carrying the emotional baggage wherever she goes. The film is designed to make us face the age-old social notion that “sab theek hai” (everything is fine) and that nothing is wrong. The powerful acting from Seema Pahwa and Palomi Ghosh and skilful storytelling of Mansi Jain, makes it a must-watch.
#9. Budh – The Awakening
Revolving around lives of three different women who might be worlds apart in terms of their backgrounds, but are in similar when it comes to their struggles with patriarchy and gendered discrimination. Throughout the film the narrative brilliantly shifts from one story to another, while hold viewer’s interest. The women-centric film showcases how each of the woman finally takes a stand for herself and her dignity by facing her abusers.
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