Thoughts provoked

Watch little Kalaam who is sharp, confident and wants to fight destiny - a-la saying he heard from H'ble Abdul Kalaam ji (Well, I have been a fan of H'ble Abdul Kalaam ji :), and this sweet trailer is really heart touching...) Thought provoking, this short movie produced by Smile Foundation and directed by debutant director Nila Madhab Panda, is about a nine year old boy who aspires to overcome all hurdles to chase his dream of studying. This movie showcases the problem of child labour which still persists and a lot yet needs to be done to bring good quality education to more and more children across India (and having worked with a few of these kiddos :), I know its really tough coaxing parents into sending them for education). The movie's been showcased at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2010, and eyeing for other international festivals like Germany international Film Festival, Giffoni Film Festival, and Mostra

This is a lovely animation film expressing so subtly,simply and beautifully the poignance of partition. A briefing: Inspired by a true story during the partition of the Indian Empire into India and Pakistan in 1947, this piece follows Bir, a Hindu boy waiting to board a train from Pakistan to India with his mother. When a violent turn of events separates them, and he gets lost in the middle of a communal riot, Bir must find his mother before it’s too late. Directed & Animated By: Arjun Rihan Partition was so unfortunate... around a million people were killed and separated from families in the communal riots... I got totally engrossed in this simple story of a young Hindu boy who has a chance to encounter a stranger amidst the turbulent partition of India circa 1947.Loved the expressions... esp 354 - 410.. the comfort, bonding, understanding of the situation, maturity... Hats off to you Arjun!