WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Short reviews by Riya Saha
Hello Everyone! Cult Critic as a digital platform has climbed its pillars of success and with each collaboration, we have brought more and more creative works of the directors into the limelight. Film as a medium is easily understood irrespective of the language and cultural differences. Cult Critic has always believed in simplicity leading to innovation. We look into the quality of the professional work of the director, the story, the impact of the film and then decide the Winners Circle.
So, this is the third month of the year and it’s time to bring into limelight and discuss the positive effects of some the films in March winners circle:
Here we go…
QUOTA -
Genre: Family/Children Films (Any length)
Directed by AMUDHAVANAN P Quota is all about underprivileged children who do not get their due. In the words of the director “The plot revolves around a talented child from a tribal hamlet who yearns to become a gymnast. But, his economic condition and identity are a huge deterrent to his dream.
Though the film begins with a tribute to the tribal freedom fighter and leader Birsa Munda, it does not focus on a particular caste or tribe. The spotlight is primarily on how children from underprivileged backgrounds continue to struggle to achieve their dreams when it shouldn’t be so. Why can’t every talented child get his/her due?”
The film was shot in a tribal hamlet in Mannarkad, Kerala. The star cast includes reality show talents and child artists Bhavaz, Niharika, and Aadhil. Chella of YouTube channel Nakkalites and Naresh, who acted in Maanasi, play crucial roles in it.
An absolutely interesting family film that focuses on the bonding and love between siblings. All thanks to AMUDHAVANAN P for his amazing contribution.
ANACRONTE -
Genre: Feature Film Horror / Science Fiction / Genre
Directed by Raúl Koler, Emiliano Sette ANACRONTE carries an impeccable script that shocks the viewer from the very first frame. The directors have incorporated the story into visualization in such a way that the movie turned out to be visually stunning, thought, provoking and clever. Coming to the visual experience, viewers, – “GET READY TO TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY.
ANACRONTE combines multiple individual stories are combined into a full, cohesive short, accompanied by a wonderful score and fantastic sound design. Director Raúl Koler and Co-director Emiliano Sette’s vision to create something very unique and refreshing along with a message is praiseworthy. I believe they have set a new standard for animated storytelling.
ANACRONTE has the smallest details, showcasing the story of lost and broken souls and their struggle to survive. The unusual use of colors and style is absolutely brilliant and kudos for the brilliant visual representation of the futuristic made-up world. I simply loved the way the directors portrayed the journey of the characters, it is so humane and familiar that you will actually forget they aren’t real people.
100% GIRL -
Genre: Animation, Experimental, Short, Student, Virtual Reality
A young Filmmaker was awarded 16 excellence awards and you can imagine how effective the story and direction can be. Chen Liangyu is the young director of this 3:09 short film, which is based on gender equality. The toaster is Qian’s little helper and speaks about how Qian and her husband become the perfect family. They help each other in cooking and divide their daily chores.
100% GIRL is a simple movie with a strong message. I believe every director has explicit thoughts and from where creativity comes out. Chen Liangyu may be young but her progressive thoughts have proved her to be a strong Director.
The education of Gender equality if taught to the high school primary and middle school students and kindergarten students will understand various emotional relationships in life and start thinking about them in a much more progressive way. This film is not only for the children but adults who are still to learn to adjust and express emotions in an appropriate manner. Surely 100% GIRL is an award-worthy short film.
WHISPERS IN THE SNOW -
Genre: Short Fantasy, Family
Directed by Zhuolin Hong Whispers in the Snow (2020), is the winner of Best Director of Top Shorts, January 2020. This short fantasy movie is about letting go. A mother who has passed away and a child who lives on her memories is what the movie is based on.
Mothers are such a strong figure in our life, and they are the only ones who shower their children with love and care. No matter how strict they are, behind their strictness rests unconditional love. How do you guess, after passing away, a mother needs to collect her memories and send one last message to her teenage son through a dream. Surely after watching the movie, you can realize.
The movie has emotion and speaks about growing up. Moreover, the incredible picturesque of the movie and the music will surely make you cry. WHISPERS IN THE SNOW is surely an award-worthy and notable movie that will rest in the mind of its viewers.
OBSESSED -
Genre: Short Films
Alcohol can be great fun - just to get drunk as a fart and have a laugh or merely to relax at the end of a working day with a nice cold beer. However, for some people, alcohol can encroach upon their wellbeing whenever they drink to excess.
Alcoholism snatches away happiness, forces the drinker to do terrible things to maintain their habit and in some cases hide their habit. It wrecks relationships and family bonds and is generally a harbinger of doom.
The film has a title Obsessed deals with a man’s obsession with alcohol which passes down to his son. Alcohol can be great fun - just to get drunk as a fart and have a laugh or merely to relax at the end of a working day with a nice cold beer. However, for some people, alcohol can encroach upon their wellbeing whenever they drink to excess.
Alcoholism snatches away happiness, forces the drinker to do terrible things to maintain their habit and in some cases hide their habit. It wrecks relationships and family bonds and is generally a harbinger of doom. The relationship that starts beautifully gets doomed due to one single obsession, and years later Filip his son had to pay for that. The movie has consistency, and smooth flow and that apprehends each situation. The dialogues are well written and the tragic end is a reminder of alcohol dependency that can have the darkest outcome. The movie surely has a strong message for its viewers.
That’s the wrap up of all the five brilliant creations of our smart, innovative independent directors. Next month we will again bring you other challenging movies in our winner's circle. Till then stay tuned with us!
