Shorts package. Best of Critics' Choice Awards 2025. Day 1

Synopsis

Obur (2024/ Kashmiri/ 23 mins) Dir. Faraz Ali. A teenaged horse guide stumbles into chaos as he tries to recover his precious phone data from the elusive 'cloud' - an internet phenomenon that is both new and confusing to him and his village.

Crossing Borders (Nepali, Hindi/ 26 mins) Dir. Saurav Rai. Three lives get entangled in catch 22 situations while they illegally enter into a country to smuggle goods for their livelihood.

Riha( Short/ 2024/Hindi/ 30 mins) Dir. Arastu Zakia. Zoya Diwan, and her 8 year old son, are stuck in an abusive marriage with her activist husband, when she is sought out for help by another victim of abuse. 

The Slow Train( 2024/Hindi/ 5 mins) Dir. Tanmay Gemini. A woman has to go see her ex-husband after a long period of separation. A supportive friend accompanies her on her journey on a local train in Mumbai.

Virundhu (The Feast) (2024/Tamil/ 25 mins) Dir. Rishi Chandna. A fisherwoman takes on a powerful local politician by hosting a feast for him using an unforgettable secret dish that could save her dying lake.