Appachante Christmas Visit (Grandfather's Christmas Visit)

Appachante Christmas Visit is a short film starring a differently abled emerging actor in the lead role.

In a period when children and youth of today communicate with one-word answers or silence, this film demonstrates the need to snap out of the world of mobile phones and connect with traditions and nature.

When 'Appachan' (grandfather) played by Stevin Mathew a 25 year old youth with Down Syndrome - visits his daughter's house for Christmas, he realizes that all the children of the house are living in a lonely world trapped in their mobile phones. He feels sad that they are talking to him in one-word answers that too only when questions are asked to them.

How he teams up with his daughter to engage the children in traditional games and brings about joy in the house is the plot of the film.

Apart from Stevin Mathew who plays the lead role, Simu George who plays the role of his daughter, Johan Thomas Toohey, Janice Mariam Toohey and Kalista Rinthika who plays the role of the children of the house are the other artists. It is notable that all the artists are newcomers.

The video has a very peppy song and music composed by emerging young music composer Josh Thomas Mathew. Lyricist Pranav Suresh and singer Arjun P Nair are also new comers. Music is arranged by Milan Joshi, Mixing by Saurav Suresh. Rev. John Philip, Dr. Christopher Thomas, Asna Ann Thankachan and Aralyn Thankam John have given the voice over.

Story, Screenplay, Direction and Production is by Dr. Ciby Mathew who is also a first time entrant in the field. Camera and Post Production is by K Square Studioz in Chennai.

In today's world where we are all trapped in teh mobile phones, this short film brings a valuable message to all families that they can easily relate to. Apart from this the film also demonstrates that individuals with special needs have inherent talents, and they too can follow their dreams and ambitions if given an opportunity - as the lead actor Stevin demonstrates.

  • Dr. Ciby Mathew
    Director
  • Dr. Ciby Mathew
    Writer
  • Dr. Ciby Mathew
    Producer
  • Stevin Mathew
    Key Cast
    "Appachan"
  • Simu George
    Key Cast
    "Daughter"
  • Josh Thomas Mathew
    Music
  • Arjun B Nair
    Singer
  • Project Type:
    Music Video, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Family, Relationships, Children, Digital addiction, social values
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 15, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    English, Malayalam
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Dr. Ciby Mathew

Dr. Ciby Mathew is a Dentist turned Educationist who has ventured into her first directorial venture through this film. In finding various avenues to enhance the abilities of her son Stevin who has Down Syndrome, she wanted to highlight her son's acting talents through a short film that has a very socially relevant message.
In this film she has brought together an entire cast of first timers including actors and technicians to create a simple yet appealing film that will connect with all viewers.

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Director Statement

“In today’s world where we are all trapped in the mobile phones, this short film brings a valuable message to all of us.” “Apart from this, the film also demonstrates that individuals with special needs have inherent talents, and they too can follow their dreams and ambitions” says Dr. Ciby Mathew.