The Forbidden Fruit

In the confines of a confession booth, a young man and a priest confront their pasts and futures in "The Forbidden Fruit." Years ago, a young boy's attempt to come out to his priest was met with disapproval and discouragement. Now, as a grown man, he returns to the same booth with a confession that will not only reveal the depths of his own journey but also challenge the priest's beliefs and alter the course of his life forever. This dialogue-driven LGBTQ drama explores themes of identity, faith, and the transformative power of truth.

  • Ashwin Shridhar
    Director
    Vulpecula
  • Ashwin Shridhar
    Writer
    Vulpecula
  • Rhys Davies
    Producer
    Finding Richard
  • Rachel Carter
    Producer
  • Ashwin Shridhar
    Producer
    Vulpecula
  • Abhiram Vinod
    Production Coordinator
  • Anandu S Nair
    Key Cast
    "Victim"
  • Arjun Bivin
    Key Cast
    "Priest"
  • Ajil Thankachan
    Key Cast
    "Priest's nephew"
  • Zainul Abid Kalathingal
    Key Cast
    "Bloodied body"
  • Abhiram Vinod
    Key Cast
    "Abductor"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Crime, LGBTQ
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 51 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 11, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    3,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    Malayalam
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, BlackMagic 4K
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - De Montfort University
Director Biography - Ashwin Shridhar

Ashwin Shridhar, born on November 7, 1994, in India, developed a passion for storytelling and visual arts from a young age. This passion led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Film Production, providing him with a solid foundation and technical skills crucial for his career in filmmaking.

His first significant experience in film production was with the short film "The Forbidden Fruit." Working on this project with a minimal budget, Ashwin took on multiple roles, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process. This challenging yet rewarding experience taught him the intricacies of film production and prepared him for future projects.

Ashwin's talent as a screenwriter came to the forefront with his first short script, "VULPECULA." This script garnered significant recognition in the film festival circuit during 2021-2022, winning the prestigious Golden Nib Award in the LET'S MAKE IT! Screenwriting Contest 2021 edition. "VULPECULA" achieved 12 additional wins and official selections, including at the Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF). Remarkably, it ranked in the top 6% of short scripts worldwide on the Coverfly platform for two consecutive years, starting in 2021.

In 2022, Ashwin wrote and directed "What I Carry," a student project where he adopted a raw, realistic style of filmmaking for the first time. This project marked a significant step in his development as a filmmaker, showcasing his ability to handle complex, nuanced storytelling and bringing a new level of authenticity to his work.

Ashwin is known for his versatility and willingness to experiment with different filmmaking styles. His work often features a blend of meticulous storytelling and authentic, raw visuals. Influenced by a diverse range of filmmakers, he strives to bring a unique perspective to each of his projects.

Currently, Ashwin is working on his next feature script, "Beyond the Mountains." This upcoming project promises to continue his exploration of profound and realistic narratives, further establishing him as a filmmaker with a distinct and compelling voice.

Ashwin’s dedication to his craft is matched by his interest in exploring diverse cultures and human experiences. This curiosity often informs his storytelling, adding depth and authenticity to his films.

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