#IFFIWood, 22 November 2024
At a captivating press conference held today at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the crew of the acclaimed short film Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know engaged with the media, sharing their insights into the making of this cinematic gem.
During the interaction, Director Chidananda S. Naik revealed that Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know is deeply rooted in Indian folklore and his childhood experiences, crafting a narrative that weaves together the poetic beauty of traditional stories and personal recollections. He described the film as “a poetic expression of real-life experience,” underscoring how the project reflects his exploration of cultural themes and storytelling.
When asked about his journey as a filmmaker, Chidananda emphasized the significance of short films for young and aspiring filmmakers. “Short film is a great platform for aspiring filmmakers to begin their cinematic journey, offering them the opportunity to experiment with different styles, techniques, and forms of storytelling,” he shared. He further said that as a filmmaker, he always strives to create a balance between time, space, and cost, while ensuring that the film adds value to its audience.
The film’s production process was equally remarkable, with Pranav Khot, the production designer, discussing the challenges of bringing the film to life within the constraints of limited resources. “Produced by FTII, Pune, Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know was a project that pushed us to think creatively and find innovative solutions within the confined guidelines and resources available to us,” he remarked.
Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know, has officially qualified for the 97th Academy Awards in the Live Action Short Film category. This notable achievement follows the film’s receipt of the 1st Prize at the Cannes Film Festival’s La Cinef Selection, which has garnered global recognition for this Kannada- language project inspired by Indian folk stories and traditions.
About the Film:
Colour | 16’ | 2023 | Kannada
A story of an elderly woman who steals the village’s rooster, which throws the community into disarray. To bring the rooster back, a prophecy is invoked, sending the old lady’s family into exile.
Cast and Crew
Director Chidananda S Naik
Producer FTII, Pune
Screen Writer Chidananda S Naik
Editor Manoj V.
Cinematographer Suraj Thakur
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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Rajith/Athira/Swadhin/Darshana | IFFI 55 – 50
