The shot opens with a young pair walking cheerfully in a park. They walk hand in hand, laugh and share their thoughts until they argue over ‘who is more stupid - boys or girls?’ The challenge begins and the 28-minute movie progresses with its funny pace. Directed by Nagasri Rao, Saradaga had a YouTube release in March and ever since has been zooming ahead in its popularity. A B.Tech graduate Retheshaa Sathish Reddy has her hands full with four short films in different stages. The short film scenario is vibrant with young filmmakers and the scene is getting better for women. Although only a few are at the helm now, they are creating a significant space for themselves. These young girls with different educational backgrounds are bound by a common passion for movies. Their movies might not be path breaking but yet among the hundreds of short films uploaded on YouTube, they try to make a mark. Coming out of their comfort zone, the youngsters are calling the shots for short films to realise their big dreams on the movie screen.
This is Nagasri’s debut film and she calls it an exciting experience. Nagasri works as an IT recruiter at Consiga Technologies and movies have been a constant companion. “Watching movies on my laptop is my favourite hobby,” she says with a smile. However, watching movies is like a studying time as she is constantly observing the shots and camera angles and thinking why the director shot a particular scene that way. With a brother with acting dreams, a casual chat boosted her spirit and she took to camera. An ardent admirer of Pawan Kalyan, she hopes to meet the actor one day.
Retheshaa got her parents’ support and encouragement to take up direction. “They wanted me to complete my studies and then follow my passion,” she says. Her first short film was completed while she was still in college. A story writer, actor and a director, Ritheesha’s interests lie in social sciences. Her documentary ‘Diaries of Lost Pages’ narrates the insensitive attitude of some youngsters who have gone to the US and the sad conditions their parents live in. “I visited three old age homes, took interviews of the parents. It is very heartbreaking to see them. The children do not take care but send money for their medical bills,” she says.
It is not hard to spot certain radiance in Sravanthi Oram as she talks about her passion – films. A business management student, she worked as an associate for four short films before taking the plunge. “My parents were initially not supportive of my decision but later agreed,” she says. The lively short film scenario boosts our spirit, she enthuses. “This is a nice platform to showcase our talent. We can watch our movies, find our flaws and improve ourselves,” she says and adds, “Parents should support their daughters if they want to take up filmmaking. Women will be good filmmakers.”
Technological interventions have enabled women to turn into filmmakers, exults Kiranmayi Indraganti. With a decade-and-more experience in filmmaking, this independent filmmaker is fascinated at the changing trends. “It is exciting to see women foraying to tell small stories from their own experience and imagination using the technology,” she adds.
Women short film makers can make a mark with more opportunities, observes Rama Devi of TeluguOne. She has written scripts for short films like Toli Prema and Chinni (for Mother’s Day) and feels better technical support will create more young women filmmakers.
