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As the 67th Berlin International Film Festival drew to a close on Saturday, Indians had a reason to rejoice. Debut filmmaker Amar Kaushik’s short film Aaba bagged a prestigious award: the unconventional love story won the Special Prize of the Generation K Plus International Jury for the Best Short Film of the year!
The film was screened in the Generation K Plus competition on February 11, 15, 16 and 19.
Aaba, which is the brainchild of Amar Kaushik, tells the moving tale of a man on the edge of his death bed. Produced by Raj Kumar Gupta and Mitul Diskshit and co-produced by Onir and Alison Welly, the film was shot in the Apatani language in the Ziro district of the picturesque valley of Arunachal Pradesh, with a cast comprised of state locals.
The story revolves around an orphan girl who comes across the news of her grandfather reaching the terminal stage of lung cancer. As the grandfather (Aaba) starts counting his days, the family’s life takes some unexpected turns.
Expressing happiness on receiving the award, Amar Kaushik said:
“Aaba is my first film as a director and the project is very close to my heart. Being awarded at the Berlin Film Festival for Aaba has given me moments that I will cherish all throughout my life. This award is for my entire team, without whom this would not have been possible. Special thanks to my mother for sharing such a wonderful story with me and to all my producers for placing their trust in me.”
Aaba is based on a true story that director Amar Kaushik had heard from his mother as a child while growing up in Arunachal Pradesh. Kaushik is currently working on his first full-length feature film.
