The city of dream runs in its own rhythm and shares a love story with those who have been touched by it. In 2009, Dimensions at Jio MAMI Film Festival was introduced by Jaya Bachchan to chronicle the same depth and impact of Mumbai's culture on people's lives as a short film competition for emerging filmmakers. It has since evolved into one of the country's most prominent short film competitions with a dedicated emphasis on nurturing the creativity of young artists propelling several notable talents into the limelight of the industry.

This year Indian actor Bhumi Pednekar joined the festival as a brand ambassador for Dimensions Mumbai expressing the platform's ability to empower budding filmmakers to share their personal narratives, amplifying their voices on a grand cinematic canvas. With its unwavering commitment to nurturing raw talent and celebrating the diverse narratives that shape the city, Dimensions Mumbai has grown into a capital of Mumbai's storytelling culture.

Here are some short films selected for the festival this year.

Should I Kill Myself, Or Have A Cup Of Coffee?

Directed by Vidar Joshi the short film follows a young filmmaker's journey with the enigmatic Albert, a living film legend, through the streets of Mumbai. The film captures the essence of the city in an alcohol bottle, while the title is inspired by Camus' existential musings, exploring the conflict between the human search for meaning and life's inherent lack of purpose within the philosophy of absurdist.

Find the screenings of the film here.

Halfway

Directed by Kumar Chheda, this short film intricately portrays the metaphor of meeting halfway in a relationship. Following a conflicted couple at opposite entrances of Juhu Beach, the film reflects the emotional intricacies of compromise and understanding crucial for a thriving partnership. Symbolizing the significance of mutual effort and compromise, the narrative poignantly captures the essence of finding a middle ground in a relationship.

Find the screenings of the film here.

Zoya

Directed by independent filmmaker Harsh Matondkar, the short film chronicles the story of Zoya Thomas Lobo, India's first transgender photojournalist. Despite the global attention her work garnered in documenting the plight of migrant workers during the Covid-19 lockdown and the recent Savitri Bai Phule award on Women's Day this year, the 28-year-old in Mumbai continues to grapple with financial challenges and struggles as a transgender individual in society.

Find the screenings of the film here.

Araj

This genre-bending documentary directed by Dinesh Choudhary, delves into the raw underbelly of Mumbai, chronicling the turbulent journey of an artist grappling with the clash between artistic ideals and the harsh realities of the city. The film presents an unfiltered exploration of how ambitions and financial pressures intersect, ultimately reshaping the artist's trajectory. Dinesh Choudhary, an experimental filmmaker and visual artist from Mumbai, skillfully weaves captivating narratives using the potent language of imagery, infusing Araj with a compelling visual depth.

Find the screenings of the film here.

Nightingales in the Cocoon

Directed by the award-winning and multifaceted filmmaker Praveen Giri, unravels a narrative of hope and transformation amidst contrasting urban landscapes. Set against the backdrop of Dharavi's slums and the towering heights of Navi Mumbai, the film follows a couple as they relinquish their past and discover an abandoned keyboard, sparking a newfound sense of joy and possibility. Amidst the dichotomy of their surroundings, the film beautifully captures the essence of discarded dreams finding resonance and renewal, portraying the resilience of the human spirit in the pursuit of ambition.

Find the screenings of the film here.

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