It would not be wrong to say that the past 2 years have seen the rise and rise of the short film. From digesting limited edition series on Netflix to unending episodes (past the 35 episode landmark) of Pakistani dramas, short films seem to have struck a happy chord with many viewers. Why? Because they give us a chance to step into a different world for just 10 or max 20-30 minutes and still come up with a story that is longer than an Instagram reel, shorter than your average drama, and yet, meaningful, or laughable enough to instigate instant conversations or a mood lift!
This is precisely why short films are somewhat of a rage with filmmakers, actors and now, audiences too! So, let’s give you our top 5 of the year (in no particular order). If you missed them, start watching now, because December is another name for catch-up TV!
1. Daughter By Law
The short film, second from Digestive Showtime hits the right ‘viewing’ spot. After a ‘spot on’ first film Yorker with Wahaj Ali, the channel’s second release also resonates with millennials; our parents, grandparents & everyone who has lived in a desi family setup in Pakistan or India will agree.
And this is why you need to watch this under 40 minute delightfully warm story. Sohai Ali Abro and Marina Khan come together to give us a spin on the traditional mother-in-law daughter-in-law relationship!
Watch it to get a light take on a very heavy relationship!
2. Bench
Ah well, where shall we begin? On the surface, it seems like a simple story but with each second the complexity entangles the viewer as they get completely engrossed in the electrifying exchange of words between these two characters who are totally in love, yet so distant towards each other.
The concept is not new, a married couple decided to part ways because of their mutual differences but the manner in which the story is articulated is beyond brilliant.
Writer Ali Mudar has penned it all down beautifully and the dialogues by Anser Soomro are mesmerizing.
The 12-minute short film directed by Usman Mukhtar starring Usman himself, Rubya Chaudhry, and Iman Shahid is the epitome of good film work.
Watch it for a shot of reality in a feel-good metaverse world. However, the short leaves you to decipher your own ultimate reality, which is, as short films go, always a possible conclusion – yeah, leave it to the viewer to give a spin on what eventually transpires! Intrigued? Then go watch!
3. Prince Charming
Should You Be Spending 11 Minutes Of Your Time Watching Prince Charming?
The answer is … yes, yes, and yes! And we’re telling you why Prince Charming is a must-watch!
It is 11 minutes of beautifully captured shots, an engaging story that keeps you wondering what happens next & performances that are a treat to watch, Prince Charming highlights marital depression – a concept and an idea that many people might not even admit exists, and one that might be considered taboo for others.
The film shows how this depression might be a silent predator in the lives of countless married couples.
The project also marks Sheheryar Munawar’s directorial debut – he passed with flying colors!
Watch it for the narration of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poetry by Mahira and Zahid Ahmed. It is so captivating that you will want to keep listening on repeat. This might be a moving and meaningful watch, possibly not for the faint at heart!
4. Yorker
Yorker Short Film explores Pakistan’s obsession with English. English bolo to cool, jab na bolo to uncool. The short film is a fun take on the issue, with many meaningful messages and LOL moments, making it worth our time!
Short films come and go on many topics, from romance to thriller to horror, but there are a few which carry strong messages for the audience. Yorker, as you guessed by the name, follows the success of a fast bowler Ammar Saleem (Wahaj Ali), whose biggest insecurity and problem is well … acing the English language!
While he sets off to tackle the problem head-on by taking English courses with his friend Ibrahim (Faizan Sheikh), things take a U-turn when the police mistake the pair for the Burqa gang! Yikes.
Watch it for some slick direction, fast-paced action, swift scene shifts in multiple locations, and sharp edits that raised the bar on the very first project from Digestive Showtime – well done there!
5. Nana Aur Mein
This 20-minute dialogue between a granddaughter and her grandfather is perhaps one of the most precious projects that graced our screens this year. The voiceovers, the letter writing, the bonding between Qavi Khan and Saboor Aly treat us to multiple life messages and performances that stay with you long after the film is over.
Aging parents, young people who must find their wings and fly, or stay home to roost & tend to their loved ones? The topic is dealt with a sensitivity that is seldom touched upon. We normally view this issue as a one-sided package, a perspective that many might or might not agree with.
Conversations on this very real dilemma become uncomfortable in the most liberal of desi households – Nana Aur Mein seeks to approach this relationship with a heartfelt tribute to all grandparents and children whose hearts are always in the right place!
Watch it for outstanding performances and cinematography – a touching watch from Seeprime!
