Popular Kannada short film titled ‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know’ has qualified for the Oscars 2025 in the Live Action Short Film Category on Monday, November 4, 2024. The film is directed by Chidananda S. Naik and is produced by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) students.
The film was earlier also shortlisted at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in the La Cinef section held in France and garnered international acclaim by securing the first prize. This 16-minute-long Kannada film is deeply inspired by various Indian folk tales and traditions.
About the Film
It revolves around the story of an older woman who steals the village, causing sunlight to cease and villagers to plunge into darkness. Soon, a prophecy had evolved by the villagers, who said that the sunlight will only be restored if the rooster is brought back. However, the woman was exiled from the village, and her family embarked on a journey to find and return the rooster in order to bring the sunlight back.
The film was shot by Suraj Thakur as the cinematographer, edited by Manoj V, and sound design by Abhishek Kadam. Its storylines beautifully intertwine the elements of folklore and the importance of community. It highlights the length to which people will go to bring back harmony and light to their lives.
Award Winning at Cannes
At the 77th Canes Film Festival, the La Cinef Jury commended the film and ideology behind this story telling and impressive direction. “An illumination that, from the depths of the night, shines with humor and a keen sense of direction, the first prize is awarded to the ‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know by Chidananda S. Naik. The second prize was awarded to ‘The Last Day of the World’ and the third went to ‘The Echoes of Silence’ by Ahmed El-Masry.
Meanwhile, Director Chidananda, in a press note, said, “I have aspired to tell this story for as long as I can remember. Our goal was to recreate the experience of not merely hearing these stories but of genuinely living them— an experience I hope resonates with audiences around the globe.”
Award Winning at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival
Further, the ‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know’ film was shot at night. It depicts the scenic beauty of Indian landscapes. The short film has captured praise at various film festivals. It also won the Best Indian Competition Award at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival that took place from August 8 to 18, 2024.
About Oscars 2025
The 97th Academy Awards Ceremony, also known as the Oscars, will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025. It will be broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood at 7 pm (EST). The ceremonies will be aired on ABC and are expected to reach over 200 countries.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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