Two highly acclaimed short films nominated this Awards Season, one on self, the other on a vision.
Suddenly in the 21st century identity became the big question. Old definitions no longer worked or seemed too narrow. The more society probed for answers, instead of clarity, confusion. The BAFTA nominated short film Magid/Zafar brings the lives of two men navigating what life expects of them. A tip toeing balance of traditions and being true to oneself.
In a flavorful UK Pakistani takeaway restaurant with bells ringing, luminous red flames from cooking pans, Magid is filling orders while trying to read his WhatsApp messages. As the night unfolds, a customer enters not as much interested in the chicken curry as wanting a conversation with a busy employee during the meal time rush.
Zafar’s, face to face meeting Magid, Eben Figueiredo, brings into focus the questions the need to respect age old practices or the chance of living a truth. While both men are from the same background, one embraces the challenges, the other cowers behind customs.
As a filmmaker Luis Hindman keeps the pace moving at the same time confining tight spaces filled with the relatable activity of comings and goings in a food joint. Hindman uses the camera and montage effectively conveying a savory palette of colors.
Eben Figueiredo and Gurjeet Singh star the 19 minutes drama.
John Kelly’s animated Oscar Nominated short film Retirement Plan could have been made in 1955 or 1975. A man dreams about his retirement and all the benefits of leaving the rat race for a life of tranquility: gardening, watching tv, just doing nothing. The drawn sequences are boasted with a script of dry amusement, a sense of innocent heart-warming hope, the character Ray shares an everyman vision of what getting out the rat race could be.
Domhnall Gleeson voices Harry in the 7 minute story. Retirement Plan can be streamed on Disney+.