KASHISH 2015 – FILMS IN COMPETITION: NARRATIVE FEATURE

The highest award at KASHISH is given to the best narrative feature. This category includes Indian and International narrative features completed after January 1, 2014 and having their Indian Premiere at KASHISH 2015. It carries a trophy, a gift hamper and cash award of Rs 30,000 sponsored by Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares.

1) APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR

Director: Desiree Akhavan / 2014 / 86 min / USA
For Shirin, being part of a perfect family isn’t easy. Acceptance eludes her from all sides: her family doesn’t know her true-self and Maxine, who has broken-up with her, can’t understand why she doesn’t tell them. Even the boys in her movie-making class are too ADD to focus on her for more than a second. Following a family announcement of her brother’s betrothal to a parentally approved groom, Shirin embarks on a private rebellion involving a series of escapades, while trying to decipher what went wrong with Maxine. A humorous, smart film about how screwed up and alone we all are, and yet how sweet life is in its sad and silly ways.

2) BOYS

Director: Mischa Kamp / 2014 / 78 min / The Netherlands
During the summer holidays Sieger is training in the new athletics team for the National Relay Championships when he meets the intriguing and unpredictable Marc. The friendship that develops seems nothing out of the ordinary, but Sieger secretly harbours stronger feelings for Marc. As Marc reciprocates his feelings and the day of the championship moves closer, Sieger engages in a lonely struggle with himself.

3) SKIN DEEP

Director: Jonnie Leahy / 2014 / 72 min / Australia
A heart-warming urban adventure following Leah, straight-laced and scared after being diagnosed with terminal melanoma, as she becomes lost and befriended by an impulsive stranger, Caitlin who is dealing with the grief of a devastating break-up from her girlfriend. Their unlikely new friendship leads them on a tumultuous journey where both are pushed beyond their comfort zones and finally decide to choose life… while they still can.

4) THE DREAM CHILDREN

Director: Robert Chuter / 2014 / 98 min / Australia
Famed TV personality Steven Evans struggles to find meaning in his life in the face of the superficial world he has created. When his long-term partner hurls him headfirst into fatherhood, Steven’s initial reluctance is gradually replaced with love, as he discovers, in his new family, a bond stronger than any he has experienced before. But the return of an unexpected visitor triggers off a series of events that thrusts Steven and his family into a cycle of loneliness, self-destruction and grief.

5) WAITING IN THE WINGS: THE MUSICAL

Producer: Jeffrey A Johns / 2014 / 107 min / USA
A comedy of errors about two entertainers, destined for the big time, who are mismatched in a casting office from two very different online contests. Tony, a dancer from New York, is cast in an Off-Broadway musical and needs to trade in his tear-away trunks for tap shoes and tights. Anthony, a naive musical theatre enthusiast from Montana, needs to decide if he can show those moves just to stay in town. Hilarity ensues as they realize that in order to “make it” they’re going have to learn some new tricks.