In what way do shortfilms help aspiring filmmakers? A list of shortfilms to watch this weekend.
Before the Internet days, the aspiring filmmakers used to work as Assistant directors for many films to gain experience on filmmaking. Directors like Sukumar, Trivikram (worked as a writer), Rajamouli, Shankar, etc., worked for many films before their debut. It was like their training period in an industry, where they work as an apprentice for years to get hands-on experience.
Thanks to the Internet, which made many people overnight stars and through which it is much easier to showcase talent just by uploading it on digital platforms. If you want to be a filmmaker, then there are many resources available on the Internet for free and you can also upload your work for free!
Before the smartphone days, YouTube wasn’t much popular in India. Despite that, many filmmakers made shortfilms to show the producers what they are capable of, before pitching an idea. Yes, shortfilms can be considered as a big asset to add on your portfolio like you add an Internship on your CV.
Vikram K Kumar, who made memorable films like Manam, 24 made a short film called “Silent Scream” in 1998 when even mobile phones were not popular. Sujeeth, the director of India’s high budget action film — Sahoo made about 30 short films before doing “Run Raja Run”. Adding to that, filmmakers like Tharun Bhascker, Vivek Athreya made came to the Industry by doing short films.
Short films are really a big thing for aspiring filmmakers. It's just the fact that those are made on a small scale, with a limited crew, short films can be career deciding for many. Many writers, cinematographers, and editors who worked for short films earlier are now working for feature films. Their experience in working for short films is considered by producers as well.
There are many resources like DIY Filmmaking, Scriptwriting, and other skills on YouTube for free that help people in making their short films. There are also Film Schools like Ramanaidu Film School, Annapurna Film School in Hyderabad that have courses on major aspects of filmmaking. Filmmakers like Sri Ram Raghavan (AndhaDhun), Raj Kumar Hirani are alumni of FTII Pune. These film school students make short films as their project in their final year.
Here’s the list of shortfilms to watch this weekend:
- The Countdown: A shortfilm by MSN Karthik. A sci-fi thriller made on a less budget.
The filmmaker used DIY techniques to cut costs wherever possible. A message-oriented shortfilm in English.
Here’s the link to the short film: https://youtu.be/0yGThj4HskA
2. Vinashi: An experimental short film by Abhilash Shetty
Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/1LpBvo8NmgI
3. 9TO6 by Sachin. This is a Kannada short film and it is much relatable to many people.
Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/VjildQPac64
4. Black Coffee by Praneeth Prattipati
This is not a conventional love story. A feel-good short film. Praneeth is alumni of Ramanaidu Film School.
Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/qFGjBstWPTE
5. Anukokunda by Tharun Bhascker Dhassyam
This short film is done as a part of the 48-hour film competition, and the team won the contest!
Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/pCbz7QYqflc
Interaction with Abhilash Shetty
I had a brief interaction with short-filmmaker Abhilash Shetty, whose short films had International screenings. His short films ‘Crony’ (2017), ‘Vinashi’ (2018), and ‘2 Missed Calls’ (2018), have garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades.
“Since childhood, I was interested in filmmaking & acting. Quentin Tarantino, Alejandro Inarritu, and Vishal Bhardwaj are my inspirations,” he says.
He always had a passion for films but did not have the courage to come out of his comfort zone because he had a stable corporate job, which he was content with but was not truly happy until he decided to step out on faith and pursue after his dreams. Currently, he’s writing a script for a feature film. All the Best Abhilash!
