KASHISH 2015 – FILMS IN COMPETITION: RIYAD WADIA AWARD FOR BEST EMERGING INDIAN FILMMAKER

Instituted in memory of late filmmaker Riyad Wadia, who made India’s first gay film BOMgAY. Indian narrative and documentary short films that are the filmmaker’s first or second film made in 2013/2014 compete for this award which carries a trophy, a gift hamper, a free 2 day HD shooting kit (camera, mike and one light) sponsored by Accord Equips and Rs.15,000 cash award sponsored by Wadia Movietone.

1) DELUSION (Bhram)

Director: Manoj S.Thorat / 2015 / 15 min / India
In a Marathi Brahmin household, Sushama has gracefully accepted her son Sagar’s sexuality. However, because of a particular incident, Sagar has to crosscheck this again if his mother has really accepted him, or it is just a delusion.

2) A FULL STOP THAT SEARCHES FOR ITS END (Mudivai Thaedum Muttripulli)

Director: Vivek Vishwanathan / 2014 / 10 min / India
This short film deals with the fine line between friendship, love and companionship. Seshadri searches for answers to why his best friend Krishnan had left unannounced 15 years ago. In this search, he reminisces of the memories spent with Krishnan.

3) JHEEL

Director: Shubra D, Smita V, Pratek S, Anurup K / 2014 min / 5 min / India / Musical Short
Drawn from one’s everyday apprehensions and experiences in the city, this student production inspires one to break free, to dream big and to demand equality. A musical film made by the media students of Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

4) A LOVE SUCH AS THIS (Ek Maaya Ashi Hi) 

Director: Vaibhav Hatkar / 2014 / 27 min / India
A story about a mother’s struggle and dilemma to accept her son as he is! An illiterate poor Marathi widow accidently finds out that her son is gay. Shattered and furious, she beats her son, abuses him and tries to convince him that whatever he is doing is wrong; until she meets another mother and her world is turned upside down.