'Wake up to the power of short films'

Cyrus Dastur, the founder of Shamiana -- The Short Film Club, wants you to experience the thrill of emotions only a short film can provide

"It's time people wake up to the power of short films," states Cyrus Dastur, theatre person and founder of Shamiana ufffd The Short Film Club, adding,



"The concept of a short film is to entertain the audience within a span of 5 to 7 minutes. They stir up emotions in seconds unlike feature films. You don't have to wait for three hours for the plot to unfold." By Dastur's definition, short films would be the best form of entertainment for Mumbai's jet set crowd.

Like every other film club, Shamiana's motive has been to promote and encourage young filmmakers. But going beyond cliches, the club has also been trying to get the aam junta interested in the beauty of shorts. Shamiana's line up usually includes a mix of Indian and international short films that ought to be seen by movie buffs. The club gets films from all over the world and it picks up many quality Indian films. Johnny Sharma, a tale of a man who wants to make a short film, and Gopher Broke, a cute story about two school friends, reflect the kind of quality that the club wants to maintain. "The idea is to showcase a bunch of professionally well-made short films that people can enjoy," says Dastur.

If you miss the Shamiana film screening at Blue Frog, then head to Caf ufffd Goa, where The Bombay Elektrik Projekt is screening three short filmsu00a0-- Just That Sort of a Day, Change and Vitthal. The film screening is part of the first ever Tweeple Film Awards (Twi Fi Awards) tweet up so the crowd will comprise filmlovers who care about the Indian film industry.

Shamiana short films will be screened tonight, 8 pm to 9.30 pm At Blue Frog, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Tulsi Pipe Road, Lower Parel. Call 61586158 Tweeple Film Awards tweet up will be held tonight, 9.30 pm onwards At Cafe Goa Bistro and Grill, Agnelo House, off St John Baptist Road, near Mount Mary Steps, Bandra (W). Call 773139662

Short films line up at Tweeple Film Awards tweet up
Just That Sort of a Day
The film peeps into the lives of random characters, with their quirky doubts, misgivings, and observations of events taking place around them. As these characters hang in a timeless space ufffd they look at the universe through galaxies, staircases, fishbowls and parapets.
Director Abhay Kumar Duration 14 mins
Change
Steven, a homeless man in New York city gets an opportunity to be a charming young man and experience being in someone else's shoe, for just one single day. On this lucky day he meets a beautiful stranger Marissa, whom he is extremely attracted to. But the reality of life and truth has its way of turning up.
Director Abhijatha Umesh Duration 18 mins
Vitthal
Vitthal is angry, very angry. Following the death of his grandfather, according to Hindu death rituals, Vitthal's parents have shaved off his head. For Vitthal his world has shattered. Nothing can pacify the mind of this 12-year old child from feeling humiliation, isolation and anger. Director Vinoo Choliparambil Duration 24 mins

Shamiana Film Club line up
Jhonny Sharma
A hilarious tale of a man who wants to make a
short film.
Director Paritosh Bhole Duration 5 mins
Pick pocket
Pickpockets have a heart too!
Director Krishnan Nallapa Duration 2 mins

Gopher broke
A cute story about a poor little gopher that can't find any food.
Director Jeff Fowler Duration 4 mins

U-Turn
Some roads are difficult to travel and a U-turn might be the best one to take.
Director Pritesh Chakraborty Duration 6 mins

Gilani
A cute and sensitive story about two school friends who share their birthdays.
Director Tegveer Singh Duration 10 mins

Still Voice
In the never ending battle for political power, the first castualty is always the truth. CBI Internal Investigator Jaidev Mishra is assigned a new case. The job is to verify the reports submitted of an official police encounter and close the case. As Jaidev uncovers more and more facts about the case, he will have to choose between saving his career and doing what is right. Director Tamal Sen Duration 22 mins