Private Project

The Scroll That Stole Time

"The Scroll that Stole Time" is a gripping 9-minute short that dives into the quiet, consuming pull of digital addiction. Set in Guwahati, it follows Aarav, a man lost in endless scrolling, oblivious to the world slipping by. Through evocative visuals and introspective monologue, the film blurs reality with the digital realm, asking a provocative question, "Do you control your device, or does it control you?" With a haunting twist after the credits roll, this story prompts viewers to reflect on their own digital lives and the shadow self that technology might create.

  • Kaushik Sharma
    Director
  • Kaushik Sharma
    Writer
  • Kaushik Sharma
    Producer
  • Phillips Neog
    Key Cast
    "Aarav"
  • Kaushik Sharma
    Cinematographer
  • Kaushik Sharma
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Sci-fi, Social Issue, Philosophy, Psychological, Experimental
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 26 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 29, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    85 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital (.MOV)
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Kaushik Sharma

Kaushik Sharma is a storyteller at heart who ventured into filmmaking from the vibrant city of Guwahati, Assam who somehow managed to turn a love for storytelling and an obsession with editing timelines into a career spanning over 14 years. As the founder of Flying Turtle Studio—yes, he’s often asked, “Why a turtle?”—Kaushik believes in the magic of slow, thoughtful storytelling that leaves a lasting impact, much like his studio’s quirky namesake.

In The Scroll That Stole Time, his directorial debut, Kaushik dives into one of modern life’s quietest, yet most powerful forces: the scroll. With a wry look at our ever-present screens and an affection for the people hooked to them, Kaushik tells the story of Aarav—a man in his mid-30s who’s as inseparable from his phone as he is from his own thoughts. Through Aarav’s journey, Kaushik poses a question many of us are afraid to ask: Are we in charge of our screens, or have they quietly taken the reins? This 9-minute film isn’t just a story; it’s a mirror, nudging viewers to pause, reflect, and perhaps rethink their relationship with their digital habits.

Kaushik approaches filmmaking with the same passion he brings to a good cup of Assam tea: carefully brewed, with a dash of warmth and a little patience. He may not claim to be an expert (he leaves that to the critics), but he’s a filmmaker who’s driven to tell stories that linger long after the credits roll. His aim? To make viewers look up from their screens, reconnect with the world—and if he’s lucky, maybe even inspire a few to pass their phones to someone else for a while. And if, in the process, he makes his parents a little prouder, well, that’s just the cherry on top.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"The Scroll That Stole Time" grew out of my fascination with how much of our lives we give away to screens, endlessly scrolling and consuming. I wanted to capture the haunting monotony and subtle despair that often accompanies this habit.

Inspired by the dualities we all live with, this film invites viewers to see themselves reflected in Aarav’s journey and question whether we’re truly in control of our screens or if they control us.

With a no-budget, run-and-gun approach, I aimed for authenticity and rawness, allowing the city’s streets and natural light to create a grounded, almost documentary feel. The minimalistic setup and close shots reflect the intimacy and isolation of someone deeply absorbed in a virtual world.

As a one-person crew managing all aspects of production, I faced the challenge of balancing multiple roles, but this limitation also brought a surprising level of creative freedom and adaptability. Every shot, every sound, and every frame felt personal.

I hope viewers recognize something of themselves in the protagonist, a moment of reflection about our own habits and perhaps a renewed appreciation for the real world outside our screens.