The success of our Submit Your Film Initiative continued this year in the same pace, as we received, once more, more than 100 submissions, with a number of filmmakers also submitting their trailers and even their whole movies to feature on our YouTube Channel. Our continuing cooperation with Vienna Shorts also bared fruit , with two of our submissions, “Fallen Fruit” and “Sexy Sushi” getting picked to screen on the festival
In that regard, we would like to thank all the filmmakers who submitted their work and we hope that they continue to do so for many years to come.
At the same time, we also felt the need to celebrate this initiative by listing the movies we considered the best. Without further ado, here are the best #SubmitYourFilm Movies of 2021, in random order. (By clicking on the title, you can read the full review of the film)
10. The Holy Immersion by Neeladri Banerjee (India)
Neeladri Banerjee directs a 15 minutes short that thrives on its aesthetics. DP Raj Pratim Banik's monochrome cinematography is impressive in both the long shots and the various close ups, most of which focus on the eyes of the nameless man, who always looks as his mind is lingering somewhere between a dream and obsession. Pritam Debnath in the role is rather convincing as the half-mad man, and Banik's camera makes the most of highlighting his prowess. A few splashes of color also have a contextual meaning, with the scenes he first found the bicycle as a kid and its reappearing additionally providing a much needed relief from all the black and white, which editor Rajorshi Mondal makes the most of, just as in the placement of the various flashbacks within the narrative. Pabitra Denre is also convincing as Pintu, with his antithesis with the protagonist providing a number of entertaining moments. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
9. Absurd Man by Burak Kum (Turkey)
Essentially, “Absurd Man” is a gag that runs for several minutes indulging in a simple premise, returning a bag that fell from the heavens. Thankfully, the work is presented with the utmost charm and never feels dull or indulgent. Whimsical with sharp visuals, Burak Kum has crafted a unique comedic short, bound to leave viewers with a smile. (Adam Symchuk)
8. Matcha & Vanilla by Hamish Downie (Japan)
The script is sincere, visuals are sharp, performances are impeccable, and the handling of societal issues tackled with an intelligent grace. Undeniably, “Matcha & Vanilla” not only makes a statement about the state of equality in Japan, it also paints a heartwarming tale of love and loss that will pull at the viewers' heartstrings. (Adam Symchuk)
7. Prashna (Question) by Santosh Ram (India)
Ram also communicates his comments eloquently, about the need for education for the kids, but also for the grown ups, who frequently find themselves in a Sisyphean path towards an unsatisfying life, and the ways they can implement to change it. The way Ganga and Ganesh change is one of the most appealing aspects of the narrative, also benefiting the most by the acting of Ganesh Chandrakant Jadhav and Anjali Chandrakant Jadhav as Ganesh and Ganga respectively, whose chemistry is rather evident.
“Prashna” is an impressive short that manages to make a series of very interesting comments through an approach that is quite artful cinematically. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
6. Kaala by Tarun Jain (India)
“Kaala” feels like an important film, and not just because it is the ‘first' to tackle such issues taking place in India. Rather, the short speaks to the universal horrors that come with defining people through skin color over their actual merit, how this makes monsters of men and strips people of privileges within society. In addition, the wonderful presentation makes it an engaging cinematic experience that should not be overlooked. (Adam Symchuk)
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