Iyackuddy Rabindran Short Film Fund and script competition

In late 2018 Viewfinder Film Consulting announced the Iyackuddy Rabindran Short Film Fund and script competition - established to support new filmmakers from the South Asian diaspora around the world & encourage women working in film production.

After carefully considering the overwhelming amount of scripts that were submitted, VFC is proud to announce the first recipient of the inaugural IRSFF - HARESH NARAYANAN, a young engineer from Chennai. His short film script “THEETU” - a thoughtful discussion on subtle classism, even in present-day, metropolitan India - will be executive produced by Viewfinder Film Consulting. Haresh established “Thinkernuts Studio” production house, alongside 2 partners, which has created several corporate advertisements in South India to date. “Theetu” will be Haresh’s film directorial debut.

The IRSFF Runner-up title is awarded to RADHIKA PRASIDHHA, a film & theatre actor, and practicing counselling psychologist. Her script “APPA’S SEASONS” is a poignant reflection on a young woman’s temperamental relationship with her aging father, and will be represented by VFC in its film festival pursuits.

Named in honor of the late Iyackuddy Rabindran, the IRSFF aims to advance the production of quality independent South Asian short films and provide increased opportunities to women in filmmaking. Viewfinder Film Consulting is very proud to have Haresh and Radhika as the first and second place winners, respectively, of the inaugural IRSFF!

If you have any questions on these winning filmmakers & the terms of the IRSFF please feel free to contact VFC.

Radhika Prasidhha has already proved herself as an actress of phenomenal dimensions

Theater artiste Radhika Prasidhha has already proved herself as an actress of phenomenal dimensions by being too choosy with scripts and has never been on a rush. The actress has now established her directorial proficiency in addition to her high caliber performance through an experimental short film ‘I Exist’, which has been showered with incredulous acclaims. The 15-minute short film has won awards at All Lights India International Film Festival, Cochin (Best Short – International Competition Category) and Woodpecker International Film Festival, New Delhi (Best Short Film – Gender). Furthermore, it has been officially selected for screening at Rolling frames international short film festival, Bengaluru, Cherry picks Berlin Film Society, Festival of women making films Philadelphia chapter  and Chennai international documentary and film festival. 

The film focalizes on the gender disparity and sexual harassment, which is conveyed through the mindset of a typical Indian woman at different phases of her life, all played by Radhika Prasidhha herself. “Initially, I wrote this script for theatre play, but the role I performed in this Short film adaption was enacted by other actors. My earnest intention of acting in this short film was to explore other scales of performance and challenge myself with interpreting these sensitive characters as I was offered stereotypical roles after my films like Kuttram Kadithal and Kadugu. It was also as an attempt to come to terms with my own personal complexities. After the completion, we did feel that the film will be definitely selected for screening at short film festivals, but winning awards was something we never anticipated,” opines Radhika Prasidhha. 

While briefing about the decision on launching this film on YouTube platform for public viewing, Radhika says, “What propelled me was the topic involving the sexual harassment, which is being heavily discussed on social media and online portals. It gave me more courage and reassurance that this work will be accepted and needs to be seen”.

The ‘Kuttram Kadithal’ actress is also penning scripts for few more theater plays and has currently signed up for a film, which she feels that it’s too early to divulge anything about.