Short Films Package

Total Duration: 65 min

The second part of this year’s nominations for the Best Indian Narrative Short award presents two thought-provoking narratives where the present day lives of the characters get entrapped in a conflict because of their past. Who gets burnt – the protagonists or their loved ones!

*Filmmakers in attendance. Film program will be followed by Q&A.

30 min | 2022 | India | English, Hindi, Malayalam |

Mumbai Premiere

An unexpected meeting at a party takes Ahan and Prabhat back to where it all began. They reminisce about the good old times while walking in the park and eventually head to Ahan’s flat for a few more drinks. Flashbacks from the past strike Prabhat as he looks at that corner where the two of them used to hang out before. Meanwhile Ahan discovers the diary that he gave Prabhat a long time ago. Prabhat still carries it.

SHURPANKHA

35 min | 2023 | India | Marathi | World Premiere

While India was excitedly celebrating its 25th Independence Day, siblings Madhav and Rukmini’s loving relationship is put to test. Skeletons buried deep in the closet are unearthed as the brother finally learns about his sister’s unconventional past and the choices she was forced to make by a close-minded society.

113 min | 2022 | Canada | English | Asian Premiere

Departing for college, Abbie leaves behind her parents and brother, Kayden, who is non-verbal and has autism. As Abbie falls in love with her new independence and budding relationship with a woman, her parents try to teach Kayden more independent life skills as they help him transition from high school to adulthood and adjust his routine without Abbie. Due to Abbie’s absence, Kayden’s struggles increase as he cannot communicate with his sister . When Abbie returns home for the holidays she discovers Kayden is in the hospital, and as a family they must find a solution for his future.

Festivals & Honors:

• World Premiere - Frameline: San Francisco Int'l LGBTQ+ FF, USA 2022

• Canadian Premiere - Vancouver International Film Festival, 2022

• Opening Night Film - The Santa Fe Film Festival, New Mexico, USA 2023

• Bahamas International Queer Film Festival, 2023

• Nevada Women’s Film Festival, Las Vegas, USA 2023

Connie Cocchia is a Vancouver BC based LGBTQ+ director, writer, and producer who began her film career in Los Angeles where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television at the University of Southern California. During her years in LA, she produced, wrote and directed a variety of short films including her award-winning film Awake. Connie’s feature directorial debut When Time Got Louder is supported by Telefilm Canada and centers on the autism and LGBTQ+ communities. With a passion for authenticity, these two communities are highlighted through the diverse hiring of crew, licensed music only from these two communities, and authentic casting. Connie is currently in development of her second feature, a comedy titled Quarter Life Crisis.