Experiencing Interruptions?

Day 1

In the big city of Bengaluru, schools are reopening after 2 years of virtual classes due to COVID-19. A little girl named Sukhi is still asleep without a care in the world however her mother is insistent that she be on time on her first day.

  • Aswathi Mohanan
    Director
  • Aswathi Mohanan
    Writer
  • Subin Pillai
    Producer
  • Abin Thomas Biju
    Producer
  • Jishnu Padmarajan
    Director of Photography
  • Allen K Kurien
    Editor
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    ಮೊದಲನೇ ದಿನಾ (Modalne Dina)
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 41 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 15, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Kannada
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Aswathi Mohanan

Aswathi Mohanan is a first-time writer and director who grew up in different parts of India. She was an Assistant Director on two critically acclaimed Malayalam films, Varathan and Trance. Her dream is to keep telling compelling stories that reiterate we are all more similar than different.

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Director Statement

Do we truly see the people we encounter every day as we go about our routines? Often, we know little about their hopes, dreams, and lives.

On my way to work, I used to frequently spot a sweet little girl who inspired the character of Sukhi. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools switched to virtual classes, which disadvantaged children from financially struggling households who lacked the resources to participate. Unfortunately, when schools reopened, some children, especially girls, had to leave their studies to help their families make ends meet. Sukhi is an ordinary 8-year-old with interests and dreams. She enjoys dancing to popular film songs in front of the mirror. We see her enthusiastically put on her mother's fairness cream after watching a commercial that claims "White Face Means Bright Future." This phrase is a direct critique of the message that fairness creams aim to promote. In a country with a tropical climate and abundant sunshine throughout the year, the fixation on fair skin is bizarre. Meanwhile, in Europe & America, people spend hours in the sun and significant sums of money to get a tan, the irony is not lost on me.

Sukhi is an impressionable young girl who follows the advice of her elders without comprehending the injustices of the world. She doesn't realize that a good education is the key to a bright future, not fairness creams. Sukhi is too young to understand that she is a victim of this flawed system.

Our film had a modest budget of EUR 3000. My partner and I financed it ourselves, while our dear friend Abin took charge of production. The actors on screen were not professionals, but rather the residents of Muneshwara Nagar in Bengaluru, India. We approached them for permission to film on location and Bhavani, Kaveri, and a group of children caught our eye as perfect fits for the roles of Sukhi, Rani, and their friends. Despite having no formal acting training, they immediately understood the story and with a little encouragement, they fully embodied their characters. The residents were incredibly helpful throughout the filming process and we are truly grateful for their support.

My crew was made up of some of the most talented and supportive people I know, including many friends and acquaintances. Despite facing various challenges due to our limited budget, filming this project was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My team stood by me every step of the way, and I'm eternally grateful for them.

- Aswathi Mohanan