We love seeing with indie and youth filmmakers are creating from all across the globe. This collection of shorts, plus one feature comes from China, India, Ukraine, Germany and The Congo. Geographic boundaries vanish as we realize how similar the human condition is worldwide.
This is an Indian film about two friends living in a village and their efforts to save their favorite older tree on which they grew up playing, during the pandemic of COVID-19.
Juror comments: Corona Dev is as sweet as a peach. As a short indie film with minimal film making equipment, the creators used all of their available resources. The film is enjoyable and sweet to watch the two children take care of a tree.
The storyline follows two young boys (Vansh Wankhade, Rhigved Wankhade) stumble upon a tree. It turns out that the tree can share its memories and the boys are able to listen in and hear the voices of young, happy children. They soon set up a mantle at the tree, so that the townspeople can visit and pray to the Corona Dev, or Corona God. We find out that the boys set up the mantle to prevent the tree, which is a thousand years old, from being chopped down.
The storyline is very easy to understand, however I was confused if the tree was showing the kids its memories or looking into the future. With little dialogue, the actors show deep emotion. The camera work is quite good, and the scenes are absolutely charming. There are some wonderful close-ups of the boys and some of the village people that really show you their hearts. I love seeing the love the boys have for the tree. The location is in a small, nondescript town in India, Dhotra, and get an inside look at how the townspeople live there – young and old. The background music is quite whimsical. The key influencers are the two actors that play the two boys. With little dialogue, their emotions and ideas drive the film. The director, writer, and producer is Manish Wankade, who I commend for his creativity in producing this wonderful short film. My favorite scene is the shot of the two boys gazing at the sunset. The cinematography and the lighting, at magic hour, are perfect. The majesty of this is really in the reverence the boys have for the tree. It rather fills your soul.
The message of the film is to observe what's around you and preserve it. The two boys go through a lot of trouble to save a 1,000 year old tree. This film made me want to take more care of my community.
I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. The film is a reminder to take a moment and take care of the Earth. Reviewed by Heather S., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
- Year2021
- Runtime12:00
- LanguageMarathi
- CountryIndia
- DirectorManish Wankhade
- ScreenwriterManish Wankhade
- ProducerManish Wankhade
- CastVansh Wankhade, Rhigved Wankhade
We love seeing with indie and youth filmmakers are creating from all across the globe. This collection of shorts, plus one feature comes from China, India, Ukraine, Germany and The Congo. Geographic boundaries vanish as we realize how similar the human condition is worldwide.
This is an Indian film about two friends living in a village and their efforts to save their favorite older tree on which they grew up playing, during the pandemic of COVID-19.
Juror comments: Corona Dev is as sweet as a peach. As a short indie film with minimal film making equipment, the creators used all of their available resources. The film is enjoyable and sweet to watch the two children take care of a tree.
The storyline follows two young boys (Vansh Wankhade, Rhigved Wankhade) stumble upon a tree. It turns out that the tree can share its memories and the boys are able to listen in and hear the voices of young, happy children. They soon set up a mantle at the tree, so that the townspeople can visit and pray to the Corona Dev, or Corona God. We find out that the boys set up the mantle to prevent the tree, which is a thousand years old, from being chopped down.
The storyline is very easy to understand, however I was confused if the tree was showing the kids its memories or looking into the future. With little dialogue, the actors show deep emotion. The camera work is quite good, and the scenes are absolutely charming. There are some wonderful close-ups of the boys and some of the village people that really show you their hearts. I love seeing the love the boys have for the tree. The location is in a small, nondescript town in India, Dhotra, and get an inside look at how the townspeople live there – young and old. The background music is quite whimsical. The key influencers are the two actors that play the two boys. With little dialogue, their emotions and ideas drive the film. The director, writer, and producer is Manish Wankade, who I commend for his creativity in producing this wonderful short film. My favorite scene is the shot of the two boys gazing at the sunset. The cinematography and the lighting, at magic hour, are perfect. The majesty of this is really in the reverence the boys have for the tree. It rather fills your soul.
The message of the film is to observe what's around you and preserve it. The two boys go through a lot of trouble to save a 1,000 year old tree. This film made me want to take more care of my community.
I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. The film is a reminder to take a moment and take care of the Earth. Reviewed by Heather S., and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
- Year2021
- Runtime12:00
- LanguageMarathi
- CountryIndia
- DirectorManish Wankhade
- ScreenwriterManish Wankhade
- ProducerManish Wankhade
- CastVansh Wankhade, Rhigved Wankhade
