The Kannada short film Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know, directed by Chidananda S. Naik, has secured a spot for the Oscars 2025 in the Live Action Short Film category. Created by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), where Naik completed his studies, this project joins a select group of international short films vying for the prestigious award.
Kannada Short Film Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know Secures Oscar 2025 Qualification
Naik shared in a press statement, “I have aspired to tell this story for as long as I can remember. Our goal was to recreate the experience of not merely hearing these stories but of genuinely living them—an experience I hope resonates with audiences around the globe.”
Earlier this year, Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know made waves at the Cannes Film Festival by winning first prize in the La Cinef Selection. Praising the film’s unique narrative style, the La Cinef Jury at Cannes commented, “An illumination that, from the depths of the night, shines with humour and a keen sense of direction, the first prize is awarded to Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know by Chidananda S Naik.”
Beyond its achievement at Cannes, Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know has been praised in several film festivals. It notably won the Best Indian Competition award at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival, establishing it as a powerful contribution to Indian short cinema.
Behind the Film’s Success
Inspired by Indian folk stories and traditions, this 16-minute film follows an elderly woman who, after stealing the village rooster, inadvertently causes sunlight to cease. This sets off a chain of events where a prophecy is invoked to restore order, leading to the woman’s exile. Her family embarks on a mission to bring back the rooster, aiming to save the village from darkness.
The film’s setting, entirely shot at night, draws viewers deep into an authentic Indian landscape, enhancing the immersive experience of the story. This rich portrayal of local traditions and beliefs highlights the film’s grounding in Indian folk culture.
The film’s production team features talents such as Suraj Thakur as the cinematographer, Manoj V as the editor, and Abhishek Kadam as sound design.
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