From left: Anand Varadarajan (Artistic Director at BISFF) with Prasad Siddeshwar, Trupti Kulkarni, Vignesh Paramasivam and Udit Haritas.
By Ananya Uthaiya
Script to Screen, an event organised by the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF) team, was held recently at the Goethe Institut Max Mueller Bhavan in Bengaluru. The event screened five short films produced as part of the first Literature to Script competition organised by BISFF. Out of the 48 scripts submitted for the competition, only five were selected, and were screened at the event in the presence of its directors.
intimateDirected by Udit Harithas, is a Kannada short film that explores themes of addiction and the effects of communication barriers on family dynamics. It poignantly depicts the challenges of growing up in a chaotic family, offering a raw and insightful examination of personal resilience and family relationships.
“This story appealed to me as it focused on the psychological differences within a family. The emotions generated by the father’s addiction and the impact it has on his family attracted me to work on this project and be a part of its making,” said Udit.
Another Kannada production, blue blue arrow Directed by Prasad Siddeshwar, this is a beautiful and heartwarming film that depicts the journey of a hardworking man working in a factory far from home. The cinematography beautifully depicts his love for sleep as a means to feel close to home, and this becomes the focal point of his simple yet intense life. It evokes a sense of empathy and a gentle humour in the audience.
When asked about filmmaking, Prasad said, “The process of filmmaking itself makes you more humble. It gave me a chance to ignore personal comfort for different experiences and allowed me to read and learn more.” Blue blue arrow.
This BISFF event gives budding directors a chance to work on their skills and exercise significant creative freedom. Vignesh Paramasivam, whose short film Thunai It was screened at over 30 festivals and received 23 awards.
Trupti Kulkarni, director of one of the five shortlisted films, said, “The experience was amazing and interesting as I got a chance to convert my script into a real film and this initiative made it possible.” How are you? This Kannada film showcases a woman who is grieving and struggling with the sudden loss of her partner. A surprising plot twist at the end redefines the situation for the audience, providing a new perspective on her experience.
Malayalam short film by Anas Sharif Change Explores the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting their ongoing struggle for acceptance in society. The film delves deep into the complexities faced by individuals who often endure ridicule and humiliation in a world that still treats them as outcasts.
Nikhil Bhardwaj, festival coordinator at BISFF, said, “At the moment, these short films are only available to those who have watched the screenings at the Goethe Institute and the festival. However, we plan to release them to a wider audience soon.”
