3rd i’s signature shorts program brings California filmmakers into conversation with filmmakers from South Asia and the Diaspora. With genres ranging from comedy to contemporary music, and short-form documentaries to dramatic narratives, this year’s edition tackles stories of relationships, identity, environment, LGBTQ and social justice with compassion.
Theetu (Untouchability), Haresh Narayanan (India, Canada, 2021, 6:40 mins)
An ironic and humorous critique of how one does not forget their caste, even when buying carrots.
Sunday, Arun Fulara (India, 2020, 10 mins)
When the middle-aged Kamble makes his weekly visit to the neighbourhood barber shop, it’s not just for a shave. He can’t wait to be touched by Jaan, the new young barber he has a crush on.
Turbulence, Mahesh Pailoor (USA, 2021, 3 mins)
A short doc on photojournalist Luis Sinco’s awe inspiring images, documenting a very turbulent year in Los Angeles.
7pm, Vick Krishna & Piyali Syam (USA, 2020, 3:34 mins)
A young couple cling to any form of connection amid a global pandemic that prohibits human interaction.
AGNI (Fire), Alka Raghuram (USA, 2021, 5:45 mins)
A dance meditation on our world burning, featuring music by Alam Khan and
choreography by Charlotte Moraga of the Chitresh Das Institute.
Now That We’ve Met, Nitya Turaga, (USA, 2019, 4:54 mins)
Nina, set up on a blind date, immediately decides the only thing in common she has with her date, Jay, is that they’re both Indian. Jay, a hopeless romantic, begs to differ.
The Shower, Mahesh Pailoor (USA, 2019, 14 mins)
Two worlds collide when Maya’s oldest friend shows up at her baby shower, single and child-free.
The Plunge, Simon Ryninks and written by Omar Khan (UK, 2019, 10 mins)
A hilarious and sexy romp ensues when a couple in love find themselves ready to take the next step.
CONTRACTOR 014352, Simon Ryninks (UK, 2018, 13 mins)
Comedy-Drama Sci-Fi — With Omar Khan . Real and imaginary worlds collide when a lonely data entry clerk reaches through his computer screen, in search of a genuine connection.
Feet Don’t Fail Me Now, Joy Crookes, (UK, 2021, 3:18 mins)
Bangladeshi-Irish-British Singer songwriter Joy Crookes incorporates in this new music video details about relationships, self-reliance, culture, and her South London roots through her music.