Estella , a 11-minute short film written and directed by Srinu Pandranki, will be screened as part of Festive de Cannes’ Short Film Corner, to be held from May 22 to 28. The film stars Ravi Varma and Sri Sudha, has music by Shravan, cinematography by Chakradhar Rao and is edited by Gopi Sindam.
Estella narrates the story of an up and coming novelist who accidentally meets his childhood crush in a café. He is single and has been through two relationships, while she is married and has a child. Their conversation is laced with nostalgia.
Srinu Pandranki, who had showcased the short film Peek-a-Boo starring Chaitanya Krishna at Short Film Corner 2014, is elated to return to the forum again. The Short Film Corner is not to be confused with Festival de Cannes’ Official Short Film Competition. However, it does follow a rigorous selection procedure. Srinu has no qualms in disclosing that his other short film, The Decision , was rejected by the panel this year.
Srinu emphasises that the Short Film Corner, a marketplace for emerging filmmakers, is an opportunity to network with international counterparts and look for prospective collaborations. “This year, only my short film has been selected from the Telugu film industry. Not many short filmmakers here are aware of the possibilities this platform throws up. They don’t send in their entries. In comparison, quite a few Hindi, Bengali and Tamil filmmakers send in their applications. I feel we are missing out,” he laments. This year, 43 short films from India will be featured.
A few requirements of Short Film Corner, he feels, are considered a hindrance by contemporary filmmakers. “For instance, you should not have had a commercial screening of your film. It shouldn’t be available on YouTube or other digital platforms. This means your project will have to wait a few months before it can reach a wider audience. Some filmmakers feel that isn’t worth it.”
Then, there are logistical issues like the cost incurred for travel and stay. However, Srinu feels we need to look at the bigger picture. “I feel it can help further our prospects,” he reasons. At the Short Film Corner, filmmakers can register and attend master classes, workshops and conferences that help them fine tune their skills, right from how to pitch a film to producers, or get distributors on board.
