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The Earth, The Worm

A biology teacher with a peculiar fascination for earthworms forms an unlikely friendship with a bullied student. Yet, his dark secret unfolds as he takes extreme measures to spare them from the pains of growing up.

  • Reswin Bahas
    Director
    Switch
  • Shuai Guo
    Writer
  • Reswin Bahas
    Writer
  • Chloe Zheng
    Producer
  • Paul Gerrard
    Key Cast
    "Johnson"
  • Reswin Bahas
    Executive Producers
  • Shuai Guo
    Executive Producers
  • Chloe Zheng
    Executive Producers
  • Thareeq Roshan
    Sound Design/Sound Mixing
    Switch
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 50 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 26, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Sydney, Australia
Director Biography - Reswin Bahas

Reswin Bahas is a Sydney-based Writer-Director, award-winning filmmaker, and versatile storyteller known for his captivating narratives and global perspective. His directorial debut film, "Switch," has garnered critical acclaim and earned him prestigious awards, solidifying his position as a rising talent in the industry. With a keen eye for storytelling and a dedication to pushing creative boundaries, Reswin continues to create impactful cinematic experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.

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Director Statement

“The Earth, The Worm” delves into a psychodynamic portrayal of an anti-hero initially deserving empathy from the audience, given his role as a schoolteacher who empathizes with a bullied student. The central theme revolves around mercy-killing and explores the profound impact of bullying, persisting even into adulthood.

Having experienced bullying myself as a teenager, leading to the abandonment of my Indian Classical Dance training due to disparaging remarks, I empathized with the characters while conceptualizing this project. Although I don't endorse the violent actions of the protagonist, my aim was to shed light on the lasting effects of bullying, illustrating how severe trauma can push a person to extremes.

Symbolism plays a pivotal role in our storytelling approach. The worms symbolize individuals like the protagonist, and their ability to regenerate only when cut serves as an intriguing element. The protagonist sees this as a form of liberation and regeneration rather than the termination of their lives, emphasizing the profound impact of trauma on individuals.