KOCHI: 'Ammakkezhudiya Kathu', a short film directed by Athira of Girl's Higher Secondary school at Pala, and 'Malli', the award winning Tamil film by Santhosh Sivan were screened at the second day of the Children's Film Festival held at AJ Hall.
They were screened for the students of St Judes School.
Teenagers becoming increasingly engrossed with their mobile phones and the negative effect this can have is the theme of 'Ammakkezhudiya Kathu'. The movie revolves around two teenage students, Anamika and Jyothi who share a deep friendship. It is Anamika who takes care of Jyothi who is blind. Their otherwise quotidian life has an unexpected twist when Anamika's mother presents her with a mobile. The girl falls into the trap of a seducer, who constantly calls her and wins her trust. She finally falls for him and her relationship with Jyothi also gets strained.
The consequences are dire, and the man with his group of friends rape Anamika. She later writes a letter to her mother that she has no wish to live anymore. Just then, she receives a call and realises the men now have plans to go after her friend Jyothi now. A determined Anamika pledges not to let this happen.
'Malli', is a fantasy tinged tale of a naive tribal girl and her concern for nature. Malli spends most of her time playing in the nearby forest with her deaf and mute friend Cockoo, the daughter of a forest officer. Among her many dreams, her one wish is to get herself a colourful dress.
She meets an old, local storyteller, who shares with her a tale of a magical blue stone that can cure her best friend's muteness. With this new hope, she sets off to find this mysterious blue wishing stone. The story ends with Malli fulfilling her dream.
parvathy@newindianexpress.com