Short films are not just condensed feature films but a distinct art form, akin to how short stories differ from novels. Understanding this difference is key to creating impactful short films.
Initially, short films were produced by professionals or film schools, with high costs limiting opportunities for aspiring filmmakers. In India, short films gained momentum with Doordarshan’s “telefilms,” which were broadcast for public viewing. The arrival of CDs and DVDs in the early 2000s allowed independent filmmakers to showcase their work, albeit to small, localized audiences.
Short films offer an alternate path for aspiring filmmakers who lack industry connections. Recognition from acclaimed festivals can help directors secure opportunities to work with producers and actors. Notably, even Hollywood director Christopher Nolan began his career by making a short film, Doodlebug, which opened doors to feature filmmaking.
The advent of digital technology and YouTube democratized short film production, but the oversaturated market has led to a dilution of quality. Serious, artistic short films often go unnoticed amid a sea of casual entertainment and reel-style videos. Moreover, low-quality online festivals, which offer guaranteed selections and awards for a fee, diminish the value of genuine artistic recognition.
This is where Thamp Film Society of Kottayam, Kerala decided to take a stand. Recognising the need for a credible platform that celebrates genuine talent, they set out to organize a national-level Short Film Festival that upholds uncompromising standards. The society was named Thamp in honour of the late filmmaker G. Aravindan, a native of Kottayam, inspired by his acclaimed film Thamp. Currently, Sri. Ettumanoor Radhakrishnan serves as the President, while Adv. Anil Aickara holds the position of Secretary of the society.
Founded in 2019, Thamp Film Society began as a space where members regularly watched and discussed released movies. Affiliated with Bharatiya Chitra Sadhana, a Delhi-based film society fraternity, Thamp soon expanded its vision by organizing special screenings of movies and documentaries.
Grounded in the values of Bharatiya culture, family traditions, and nationalism, the society’s patrons and organizers recognized the need to promote short films that uphold these principles. This realization inspired them to launch the Aravindam National Short Film Festival aimed at honouring cinematic works that reflect and preserve these timeless values. National Award winning film critic, director and writer Sri. Vijayakrishnan was appointed as the Festival Director of Aravindam.
The Aravindam National Short Film Festival invited entries of short films produced or released in 2024 across the country. To encourage participation, all 18 selected films would receive a cash prize of ₹10,000 each. The festival would also honour excellence across various categories, awarding ₹1,00,000, along with a memento and certificate, for Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography in the General Category. For Campus Entries, the same awards carry a cash prize of ₹50,000. Additionally, a special award of ₹1,00,000, accompanied by a memento and certificate, would be presented to the best short film holding a social responsibility theme.
The Aravindam National Short Film Festival received an impressive 140 short films from across India. The pre-selection committee, comprising Sri. Anoop KR (film critic and researcher), Sri. Abhilash S (filmmaker), Dr. Vishnu Raj P (filmmaker), and myself (filmmaker and writer), meticulously reviewed the entries and shortlisted 35 films for jury consideration.
The jury, chaired by Sri. Vijayakrishnan, included Sri. A. Chandrasekhar (film critic), Sri. Pradeep Nair (filmmaker) and Dr. J. Pramila Devi (poet, writer, and social worker). Their task was to select the final 18 films and determine the award winners, ensuring that only the finest cinematic works were recognized.
While reviewing the 140 films submitted to the pre-selection committee of Aravindam, it came to my attention that most of the submitted short films were made purely for casual entertainment on YouTube. However, there were also short films created specifically to win awards and get selected at film festivals. A noticeable trend in some festivals is that films criticizing Indian culture almost guarantee awards. Even if a film lacks artistic or technical merit, it often wins recognition if it mocks, ridicules or criticizes Sanatana culture and Indian nationalism. This has led many filmmakers to falsely believe that making such films is the easiest way to secure awards. As a result, Aravindam received numerous short films of this nature. However, since the jury at Aravindam had no political biases or agenda, the selection process was based purely on the artistic and technical quality of the films.
In the General Category, 13 films were selected, including Skyward (Hindi), Meenukal (Malayalam), Molanji (Malayalam), Code Love (Malayalam), Sugandhi (Malayalam), Jalebi! (Hindi), Shahaba (Malayalam), Kanmashi (Malayalam), The First Film (Hindi), The Split (Malayalam), Mann Aasai (Tamil), My Father is Afraid of Water (Hindi) and Thunai (Tamil).
In the Campus Category, 5 films were selected: Aa Divasathe Ormmakk (Malayalam), Barsa (Malayalam), The Scent of Tulsi (Hindi), Bhramanam (Malayalam), and Dumpyard (Marathi), with Vasu (Malayalam) receiving an honourable mention.
Additionally, Nizhalmarangal (Malayalam) and Molecule (Malayalam) were chosen for special screenings under “In Memoriam of Wayanad Tragedy” and “The Family Essence”, respectively.
The Aravindam National Short Film Festival was officially inaugurated on March 14, 2025, at the Screening Hall of CMS College, Kottayam, Kerala’s oldest college, established in 1817 and renowned for its heritage architecture. The event was inaugurated by acclaimed filmmaker Sri. Blessy, who shared his personal experiences as a young film society activist in Kottayam and emphasized the significance of film societies and festivals. The keynote address was delivered by Sri. J. Nandakumar, Akhila Bharatiya Samyojak of Prajna Pravah, who highlighted the Indian heritage and values embedded in Indian cinema and stressed the importance of preserving this cultural legacy.
A standout feature of Aravindam was the Open Forum held after each screening session. Representatives of the screened short films joined the moderators on stage for interactive discussions with the audience. These sessions provided a valuable platform for viewers to offer feedback, greatly motivating the filmmakers and fostering a deeper connection between creators and audiences.
The first day of Aravindam concluded with an engaging “Dialogue with the Master” session featuring Sri. Sajin Baabu, director of the acclaimed film “Biriyani.” During the two-hour session, he shared insights about his journey into cinema and the creative process behind Biriyani, while the audience actively participated, posing thought-provoking questions.
The second day of Aravindam featured three screening sessions of the selected films and concluded with the “G. Aravindan Smriti” tribute ceremony, honouring the legendary filmmaker. The event was inaugurated by actor-producer Sri. Prem Prakash, with veteran cinematographer Sri. Sunny Joseph as the chief guest. The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Bobby Jose Kattikkad, followed by a special screening of G. Aravindan’s classic film “Kummatti.”
The final day of Aravindam featured two screening sessions, followed by the Closing Ceremony at 4 PM. The ceremony was inaugurated by veteran filmmaker Sri. Shyamaprasad, with Sri. Vishnu Mohan (director), Sri. Krishnaprasad (actor), Sri. Sarath Mohan (sound designer) and Sri. Adarsh Sukumaran (writer) as distinguished guests.
Sri. Vijayakrishnan, Festival Director and Jury Chairman, announced the winners. The Best Short Film in the Campus Category was awarded to “The Scent of Tulsi,” while in the General Category, the honour was shared by “Molanji” and “My Father is Afraid of Water.” The Tamil short film “Mann Aasai” received the Social Responsibility Award.
The awards were presented during the ceremony, which concluded with a lively concert, making the entire event a 4-hour celebration. Both the participating filmmakers and the attending delegates expressed immense satisfaction, with many filmmakers feeling blessed by the experience. Delegates, too, were pleasantly surprised to discover the depth and artistry of the short films showcased, far removed from the superficial content often seen on YouTube.
The Aravindam National Short Film Festival has successfully carved a niche as a platform where artistic excellence and meaningful storytelling are celebrated. By maintaining high standards and honouring films that reflect cultural values and technical brilliance, Aravindam has reaffirmed the importance of genuine cinematic expression. The festival’s commitment to showcasing quality films, engaging audiences through open forums and recognizing deserving talent ensures that it stands apart from the clutter of commercialized online festivals.
As short films continue to gain prominence, Aravindam serves as a beacon for aspiring filmmakers, encouraging them to pursue storytelling rooted in authenticity and artistic merit. By creating a space where meaningful cinema thrives, Aravindam has not only honoured the legacy of G. Aravindan but also paved the way for the future of Indian short films.
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