0:0 PM (Zero Zero PM)
INDIA / 2005 / 14 MIN / HINDI

Cast: Dadhi Pandey, Seema Adhikari, Murari, Ravi Kale, Ravi Sanghvai,
Sam Yadav
Cinematography: Ramani Ranjan Das
Editing: Amit Parmar, Magesh Salunki
Sound: Shantaram Bali
Music: Salim Merchant
Produced and Directed by: Surendra Hiwarale

SYNOPSIS
Two friends, Chandu and Mohan, work as post-mortem servants. The job has taken its toll on Mohan, and he grows increasingly dependent on alcohol, to the point that he is unable to work without it. His health deteriorates, forcing him to stay home. Chandu, meanwhile, continues with his daily routine, only to face the horrifying truth of what the profession can lead to.

THE FILMMAKER
Surendra Hiwarale studied film and began his career as an assistant director on various TV serials, doing this for two and a half years. He later made his way into films and has been associated with Sreeram Raghavan on his award winning film “Ek Hasina Thi” and Ram Gopal Varma on his musical “Naach.” Recently Surendra finished working on a film called “Mr Ya Miss” as the chief assistant director. “0:0 PM” is his first attempt at directing, producing and writing a film.

6’ (Six Feet)
PAKISTAN / 2006 / 7 MIN 35 SEC / PUNJABI

Cast: Dr Abid, Tariq Ameen, Sharmeen
Cinematography: Shehbaz Malik
Editing: Imran Ali
Sound: M. Mumtaz
Music: M. Rafiq
Producers: Kashif Akram, Aamir Mirza
Written and Directed by: Kashif Akram

SYNOPSIS
The film “Six Feet” is about joy and mourning, two different aspects of human life in the form of a marriage and a death experienced by an undertaker.

THE FILMMAKER
Kashif Akram is a 25-year-old playwright, photographer and director from Lahore, Pakistan. He began his career at Radio Pakistan and has been writing professionally since he was in the 8th grade. Kashif has written plays such as “Dr. Love”, “Chill House”, “Taareekiyan”, “Do Dafa Ka Zikar Hai” and “Chashm-e-Baddoor”, for different television channels. “Six Feet” marks his directorial debut.

A Morte do Rei de Barro (Death of the Clay King)
BRAZIL / 2005 / 4 MIN 10 SEC

Producers: Aleta Lago, Bruna Roazzi, Maria Gabriela Cruz, Rafael Moreira (Infa), Romero da Fonte
Animated and Directed by: Marcos Buccini, Plinio Uchoa

SYNOPSIS
A group of working class revolutionaries hunt down the king of a rival group.

THE FILMMAKER
Marcos Buccini was director of the animation "The Tree Of Money" that won the Animamundi Festival in 2002 and the Recife's Videos Festival in the same year. "Death Of the Clay King" has won several festival prizes.

A Pakistani Love Story
PAKISTAN / 2006 / 2 MIN 47 SEC / URDU

Cast: Gautam, Binny
Cinematography: Najaf Bilgrami
Editing: Maheen Zia
Written, Produced and Directed by: Maheen Zia

SYNOPSIS
A window into the business of love in Pakistan.

THE FILMMAKER
Maheen Zia is a Karachi-based filmmaker. Besides having directed several documentaries and short films, she was editor for Pakistan's first digital feature film, "The Long Night" (2000). She has served as an international jury member for the Tehran International Short Film Festival 2005 and the Tampere Film Festival 2006. She is also a founder and organizer of the KaraFilm Festival.

A Prisoner
CANADA / 2006 / 12 MIN / ENGLISH

Producer: Shams Hamid
Directed by: Ross Willard

SYNOPSIS
A dejected man is caught in a dilemma: should he kill his boss or kill himself.

THE FILMMAKER
Ross Willard is completing his Diploma in broadcasting and film from Centennial College, Canada.

Adjustment
UK / 2006 / 6 MIN 30 SEC / ENGLISH

Cast: Matthe Lyon, Sally Scott
Voice of: Simon Perry
Animation: Ian Mackinnon, Reka Gacs
Cinematography: Ian Mackinnon
Editing: Rob Woiwod
Sound: Chris Pow, Ian Mackinnon
Music: Krister Holmes
Producers: RCA Animation, Sarah Micallef
Directed by: Ian Mackinnon

SYNOPSIS
A diarist searches for a flicker of hope in a drama.

THE FILMMAKER
Born in Bristol, UK, Ian Mackinnon graduated in animation from the Royal College of Art in June 2006. He is currently working for an animation studio in London. Ian’s filmography includes “Adjustment”, “Aspects of Identity” and “Canaries & Catflap.”

Amiss
USA / 2006 / 6 MIN 46 SEC / ENGLISH

Cast: Devin Anand, Lily Jha
Producers: Michelle Carmen Gomez, Robert Amico
Directed by: Robert Amico

SYNOPSIS
A comedic look at relationships, “Amiss” makes loss look good. When his wife leaves him, Joseph obsessively regrets what could have been and, through his sincerity, a kindred spirit is recognised. Perception affects the psyche and it’s no truer than it is amiss.

THE FILMMAKER
Robert Amico is a veteran actor and a product of the Actor’s Studio in NYC. He has appeared in many films including “8mm” and “Menendez: A Killing in Beverly Hills.” As a director, he has made several short films.

And Now A Word From Sponsors
USA / 2006 / 9 MIN / ENGLISH

Cast: Scott Antonucci, Laura Orrico
Cinematography: Shane English
Editing: Gary Oldroyd
Sound: Chris Sherman
Screenplay: Wojciech Lorenc, Jennifer Niemeyer, Shane English
Producer: Jennifer Niemeyer
Directed by: Wojciech Lorenc

SYNOPSIS
A young man’s quest for a condom turns strangely surreal as he is bothered by an army of supermarket sellers soliciting their products. If he doesn’t outsmart them in time, he will lose his chance with the beautiful girl waiting in his apartment. Will he make it in time? And what surprise will he find once he arrives?

THE FILMMAKER
Wojciech Lorenc arrived in the United States from Poland in 1997. After living for a year on the West Coast, he moved to Chicago where he found a friendly and enthusiastic independent film community. Since then he has written and directed several short films in various mediums and has won awards in the local showcases. Wojciech was an initiator and a co-founder of ‘Independent Film and Video Chicago’, an organization dedicated to supporting indie-filmmakers. He also teaches at Columbia College Chicago and works as a freelance director, editor and cinematographer.

Anonymous
INDIA / 2006 / 13 MIN 30 SEC

Cast: Yashpal Sharma, Shivani Thussu
Cinematography: Chandrakant Meher
Editing: Pratik Chitalia
Sound: Patik Chitalia, Kartik Shah
Music: Kartik Shah
Written, Produced and Directed by: Ekant Babani

SYNOPSIS
There are two approaches to living life: to do good or to be bad. Each moment of a person’s life presents these two alternatives. This is a universal concept, and has been so throughout time, in all places. One’s choice of action decides his or her destiny. This film is an enlightened roller coaster ride that sets in motion a conflict between the black horses and the white light.

THE FILMMAKER
Ekant Babani has made three short films and one feature length film in the last three years. He is currently working with the UK-based production house FBC Media as a line producer on reality shows for Indian television channels.

Avatar
SPAIN / 2005 / 15 MIN / SPANISH

Cast: Sebastian Haro, Rosana Pastor
Cinematography: Isaac Vila
Editing: Jordi Arano
Sound: Oriol Tarrago
Music: Carles Cases
Art Direction: Elisabeth Diaz
Producer: Joan Ginard, Jordi Herreros
Written and Directed by: Llvis Quilez

SYNOPSIS
This is a drama about the struggles of a quadriplegic man and his wife, who suddenly finds herself in a role as his caregiver for life. The strain of his disability on their marriage comes to a climax through a sudden change of events.

THE FILMMAKER
Lluís Quílez began his film career with the short "El Siguiente" in 2004. "Avatar" is his second short film. The film won the jury award at the 2006 Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films.

Bahisht (Paradise)
PAKISTAN / 2006 / 5 MIN / URDU

Cast: Usman Lateef, Arjumand Bano, Mohammad Ali, Simi Raheal
Cinematography: Aneel Saleem
Editing: Amir Yousaf, Zubair Tanoli
Sound: Aneel Saleem, Imran Khan
Music: Farhad Humayun
Executive Producer: Adeel Hashmi
Producers: Aneel Saleem, Seeret Jafri Peerzadi
Written and Directed by: Seeret Jafri Peerzadi

SYNOPSIS
Left alone one afternoon while her parents go out shopping, a lower-middle class Pakistani girl is preyed on by her uncle.

THE FILMMAKER
Born in Zimbabwe in 1982 and currently based in Lahore as a film student at Beaconhouse National University, Seeret Jafri Peerzadi is completing a BA (Hons) degree in film, television and theatre.

Bhugol
INDIA / 2005 / 15 MIN / HINDI

Cast: Pradeep Narsi, Pradeep Patil
Cinematography: Dhanya Pilo
Editing and Sound: Chaitanya Modak
Written and Directed by: Chaitanya Modak

SYNOPSIS
The world is flat like a pancake: if you reach the edge, you might fall over it. Running around your neighbourhood doesn’t prove that it is round. Abba and Raja set off on an odyssey. An abstract narrative, exploring the conflict between identities…

THE FILMMAKER
Chaitanya Modak is currently pursuing his masters in film and video communication at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. His family comes from Pune, Maharashtra. A professional cartoonist and graphic designer, Chaitanya finds the digital movie world exciting and challenging.

Bir Damla Su (A Drop Of Water)
FRANCE / 2006 / 19 MIN / TURKISH-FRENCH

Cast: Birol Kutadgu, Deniz Gamze Erguven, Igor Skreblin, Aynur Akan
Cinematography: Matthieu-David Cournot
Editing: Ludivine van Gaver
Sound: Nicolas Mas
Music: Burhan Ocal Dumbaba
Producer: La Femis
Written and Directed by: Deniz Gamze Erguven

SYNOPSIS
A man tells the story of a young Turkish woman he loved. She lives in France and has a surprising way of dealing with the contradictions of her two cultures. He thinks he knows everything about her, that is, until he discovers something…

THE FILMMAKER
Born in Ankara in 1978, Deniz Gamze Erguven grew up in Paris, and lived some time in Turkey and South Africa. After studies in literature and African history, she joined La Femis film school in Paris in 2002 as a student of direction. She graduated in June 2006.

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
UK / 2006 / 2 MIN 32 SEC / ENGLISH

Voices of: The Suppini Sisters
Animation: Robert Milne, Kirsten Kelly
Cinematography: Luke Palmer
Editing: Laurie J. Proud
Music: The Suppini Sisters
Producers: Jayne Bevitt, Rachel Matchett
Directed by: Laurie J. Proud

SYNOPSIS
Inspired by the sassy female vocalists from the ‘30s and ‘40s, live action sequences of alternative girl group The Suppini Sisters are intercut with Laurie J. Proud’s classic cartoon style animation. The promo features the heroic GI, Bugle Boy, who along with his band creates a rhythmic whirlwind of fun that sweeps through London.

THE FILMMAKER
Laurie J. Proud was born in Newcastle in 1971. He has worked as a storyboard artist, illustrator, painter and animator. Stylistically his work draws on traditions of film noir, expressionism, surrealism, the sexual-hysteria of George Batailles and Hans Bellmer, the charged atmospheres of Lynch or Kafka, the absurd, the abject and the dislocated. His animated work is characterised by strong figure drawing, noir-ish set design and cinematic storytelling.

Chalay Chalo Kay Wo Manzil Abhi Nahi Aai
PAKISTAN / 2005 / 20 MIN / URDU

Cast: Master Yaqoob, Khalid Mobeen, Mazhar Siddiqi, Faisal Manzoor, Saboor Haider, Farhan Abbass, Aminah Shakoor, Sidra Jabeen
Cinematography: Carim-ul-Islam
Editing: Carim-ul-Islam
Sound and Music: Sajjad Ahmad
Written, Produced and Directed by: Carim-ul-Islam

SYNOPSIS
The film explores the gap between two Pakistani generations: one that created the country, and the other that enjoys the fruits of the struggle of the former. Mohammad Ali, now an old man, was a part of the movement that created Pakistan. He is now living on the roadside in front of the mausoleum of his beloved leader. He has a story to share, about the people who played an important part in the struggle for Pakistan.

THE FILMMAKER
Carim-ul-Islam is a communications designer with a focus on filmmaking. He has collaborated with the British Council Pakistan on a short film for their ‘Connecting Futures’ project. The film was premiered at the Pehli Dharkan Pakistani Film Festival, Glasgow 2005, and was also screened at the Karachi Student Film Festival, 2006. He has assisted video director Jamshed Mahmood (Jami) and has worked for Geo TV. Currently Carim is making advocacy films for national and international clients at Serendip Productions, Islamabad. “Chalay Chalo Kay Wo Manzil Abhi Nahi Aai” was his thesis film at the Department of Visual Studies, University of Karachi.

Chand Aien Maani (Moon and Meal)
PAKISTAN / 2005 / 22 MIN / SINDHI

Cast: Sufian Gumro, Maria Junejo, Ismail Chandio
Cinematography: Asif Majeed
Editing: Naveed Haroon Rind
Sound: Khalid
Screenplay: Ali Baba
Producer: Daryab Rajper
Directed by: Farooq Rind

SYNOPSIS
A mother, unable to arrange a meal for her hungry child, tells him that a meal is like the moon - sometimes it’s full, sometimes it’s half, and sometimes there’s nothing at all.

THE FILMMAKER
Farooq Rind began his career as an editor. He is now directing several projects for different television channels. His short film “Kan Ras” was screened at the 5th KaraFilm Festival in 2005.

Cityuations
PAKISTAN-GERMANY-POLAND-ESTONIA / 2006 / 11 MIN

Cast: Saleem Meraj, Mehmood Bhatti, Hasan Jan, Mehdi Uncle, Akber Token
Voice of: Kaspar Jancis
Animation: David Buob, Anna Blaszczk, Vuk Jevremovic
Cinematography: David Buob, Anna Blaszczyk, Vuk Jevremovic
Editing: David Buob, Ambar Abbas
Sound: Kaspar Jancis, Romet Pott
Music: Criminal Elephant
Producer: Vladimir Kreck
Written and Directed by: Babar Sheikh, David Buob, Anna Blaszczyk and Vuk Jevremovic

SYNOPSIS
An experimental piece showcases the different work styles of the directors, ranging from claymation to stop-motion to hand-drawn to live action. The cities with their situations are Karachi, Dresden, Lodz and Munich.

THE FILMMAKERs
Vuk Jevremovic is currently based out of Barcelona and has produced many prize-winning animations including “Panther”, “As The Wind Subsides”, “Faces” and “Quercus.”
Anna Blaszczyk graduated last year in Poland with “Caracas” as her diploma film. She is now based in Berlin as an animator.
David Buob works pretty much with all mediums, ranging form claymation to digital art. Based in Dresden, he has produced exciting works such as “Diamonds are Forever.”
Babar Sheikh works in Karachi and Berlin as a filmmaker and musician. His last previous work was an experimental documentary titled “Tabdeeli.”

Clandestine
UK / 2006 / 13 MIN

Cast: Rufus Graham, Andy Linden, Julia Gywnne, Maria Walsh, JC Bateman
Cinematography: Justin Doherty
Editing and Sound: Justin Doherty, Steven Worsley
Music: Sigur Ross, Do Make Say Think
Screenplay: Neil Fox
Producers: Justin Doherty, Neil Fox
Directed by: Justin Doherty

SYNOPSIS
It is said that the soul leaves the body through the back of the neck, naturally in death… And that it cannot leave or be taken until this time.

THE FILMMAKER
Justin Doherty is an award-winning filmmaker and also co-director of the Filmstock International Film Festival in the United Kingdom. He has been producing and directing films for several years, both narrative and commercial. “Clandestine” represents a definite change in direction from his earlier work, being more in line with Justin’s feature film aspirations.

Crossed Lines
UK / 2006 / 10 MIN / ENGLISH

Cast: David Parrish, Laura Richmond
Editing: Amanda Burns, Andy Hall,
Raza Mallal, Phil Rochester
Sound: Claire Goldberg, Carl Allport,
Nick Hawkins, Matt Wilson
Music: Graham McDonell
Screenplay: Claire Goldberg
Produced and Directed by: Raza Mallal

SYNOPSIS
Chris is having a secret affair with a work colleague, Layla. His wife, Jenny, phones her friend Helen to discuss her suspicions, and at the same time looks for definite evidence. Jenny accidentally meets Layla in the office lift, but doesn’t have the courage to challenge her husband’s lover. Finally, Jenny decides to follow Chris to Layla’s house. Inside Layla’s boudoir, matters take an unexpected turn and Chris ultimately loses more than his underpants.

THE FILMMAKER
Raza Mallal has been directing films since 1989 when his first short, “Easy Money” won several prestigious awards. He now runs Eyeline Productions through which he has created a series of shorts, documentaries and corporate works. His first feature, a romantic comedy titled “Quick, Slip Me A Bride” is due for release in 2007. “Crossed Lines” was Raza’s official entry at the Cannes Film Festival 2006.

Daani
PAKISTAN / 2006 / 43 MIN / URDU

Cast: Sajid Shah, Sabrin Hisbani, Syed Khurram
Cinematography: Majid Mumtaz
Editing: Baqir Rafiq Rind
Screenplay: Rafaqat Hayat
Producer: Khalid Ahmed
Directed by: Farooq Rind

SYNOPSIS
Based on a short story by Krishan Chandar, “Daani” is the story of a street dweller who finds and loses love in a series of incidents, all part of a life that is relentlessly oppressive for the poor.

THE FILMMAKER
Farooq Rind started his career as an editor. He is now directing several projects for different television channels. His short film “Kan Ras” was screened at the 5th KaraFilm Festival in 2005.