Angst, social media obsession, the insidious influence of artificial intelligence with an ominous warning and the dauntless spirit of the young in 1971 were the key themes of the award-winning mobile shot short films of the just concluded European Film Festival, held at BRAC University on December 7. 

The Film Festival began on December 4 under the title “In Transition,” a theme resonating with the epochal changes that Bangladesh has experienced since August 2024. 

The young of this country played a pivotal role in the momentous socio-political movement and will be voting in the upcoming elections to put the country on a new path; so it’s fitting to recognize the talent of budding film makers, remarked Anika Fatima, a journalist present at the closing day of the festival. 

In order to engage the youth and acknowledge their creative impulses, the festival featured a short film competition where films within five minutes and shot using mobile phones, were called for submission.

From a total of 60 short films, an expert panel of judges picked three outstanding works that stood out for aesthetic value, creativity, underlying message and overall presentation.

Why mobile phone films? 

With phones becoming mini movie cameras featuring almost all aspects of a complete film making set up, shooting films on a mobile has now become easy and enjoyable. 

It’s also a liberating experience to shoot any sequence on a phone because the device is with us and does not require too many people, says Atif Anwar, a student from the department of media and journalism. 

The other factor is the independence in creating a story, he says, adding: “One can shoot the film and then edit and add music to one’s desire instead of relying on somebody else.” 

Mazhar Mithun, a vlogger who shoots most of his sport-related videos on his phone, believes that in five years the phone will be so advanced that it may also come with portable lighting equipment to facilitate the making of better grade films.

“The appeal of full-length commercial movies will remain undiminished but for films that pique our senses, the mobile may become the first choice.”

Mazhar’s feeling is supported by Zahirul Islam, a journalist, who has made mobile shot documentaries. 

He says: “For the surreal and the punchy, the mobile shot movies will soon become a major genre in films.” 

As drone-aided shots for films become cliched, the mobile shot films will see a rise in popularity simply because the story will feel more real, observes Zahirul. 

Capturing the ethos of the moment 

The three selected films, Kite 71, Doomscrolling, and Edified, relate to the sentiments that dominate youth outlook of the time. 

The second runner up of the competition, Edified, by Zunaid Mostafa Pranto, is a suspense-based short film, where a young man receives instructions from an unknown source to carry out special tasks. Within a span of five minutes, the film maker managed to create a Hitchcock-like thrill, compounded by the black and white scenes though narrow alleys with a powerful background music, said Alvi Saquib, a short film enthusiast. 

The ending is the punch where we are confronted by a reality in which the world now finds itself. 

The second runner up, Doomscrolling, by Sefat Ahmed Samir, is about the relentless bombarding of social media items, from music, to brand advertisement to soap operas to sensationalized news.

The underlying theme is about how our attention is forcibly captured to an extent that natural everyday function is severely hampered. 

Commenting on the presentation of the story, all the judges were unanimous in acknowledging its simple but innovative approach. 

The winner of the short film festival went to Kite 71, a short film, which, through the usage of a very light-hearted social activity, presented the very profound and solemn emotions that define the month of December for all Bangladeshis. 

In praising all three winners, the judges pointed to the taut storytelling approach where the audience is kept guessing as to what might come next. 

At the award giving ceremony, Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh, Michael Miller and the Italian Ambassador, Antonio Alessandro, praised the young film makers and their ability to combine plot and punch within five minutes.

BRAC University Vice Chancellor Syed Ferhat Anwar echoed the sentiments of the European diplomats, praising the young film makers, alluding to the lasting impact of their work.

An honorary award was given to film maker Evan Monowar, whose film, Foul, about a young girl’s resolve to become a footballer despite blinkered social attitudes, was shown at the opening of the festival.  

"Instead of assessing the film-making qualities, I want to focus on how present-day issues are defined and interpreted by the youth," remarked Fatema Islam Prima, an artist. 

“I felt that all four film makers have touched on matters which are relevant in a transforming Bangladesh,” she said. 

"I feel more competitions on short films, using mobile phones, will inspire many young film makers in remote areas to experiment with avant-garde storylines and themes," added Prima. 

You got the phone, so whether it’s kooky, outre, or just zany, go ahead and make a film.

Towheed Feroze is a former journalist.