the black bored

Or, for that matter a film with stories that are rooted in the identity of a particular place-geographical, cultural and historical. In this case, the place in question is the beautiful western coastal state of India, known as Goa. Popular for its pristine beaches and lush greenery, Goa is also dotted with vibrant heritage structures, many of which bear the signature architectural stamp of its Portuguese colonial past.

So what does it take to create a Goan film? Or what do you call a Goan film? Does it have to concern itself with the identity of the filmmaker? A film made by Goans primarily for Goa? Or is it a film made by those who now call Goa their home? And therefore becomes a film made for the world as well? Or is it something to do with the subject matter and the themes? i.e, stories that arise out of the uniqueness of a Goan landscape or dealing with questions of identity or burning local issues? 

Not necessarily trying to find a definitive answer, I try to explore these questions in my next film, an independent experimental short. Shot on a quite night with a cast and crew comprising of just three people, the film has little to no dialogues. Unintentionally it captures a Goa on the verge of disappearing fast. Interestingly, throughout the making of this film the very places where the film was shot has undergone significant transformation. The quaint narrow lanes are now beyond recognition due to a rise in developmental projects such as real estate towers and road widening works. The humble food stall which served local delicacies like Chicken Cafreal, squid chilly, Ross Omelette and Prawns Biryani to a steady stream of dedicated regulars has disappeared from its usual spot. In this context, I am hoping, this film which is primarily an exploration of solitude, also acts as a documentarian (albeit in a limited capacity), in capturing this side of Goa which is fast disappearing.

In terms of form, this intimate experimental short film attempts to push the boundaries of what can be considered cinema. By combining elements of fiction and non-fiction, it crafts a philosophical enquiry into the significance of cinema in the pursuit of a meaningful life, drawing on the timeless verses of Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet.

Synopsis

Bread (2025) is an experimental short featuring an idle/undecided young woman who decides to go out on a breezy bicycle ride to buy dinner from a roadside diner, a local delicacy. While cycling breezily on the quite narrow roads of Goa she has vital epiphanies. All the while even as she yearns for some connection with a mysterious neighbour.

Cast & Crew

Concept Shruti Ranavade
Camera Anchit Sharma, Shruti Ranavade, Shivam Kumar
Edit Shruti Ranavade
Cast Shruti Ranavade, Shivam Kumar

Currently in the distribution stage, I am exploring various themes through this film. If you resonate with what I am trying to convey and would like to support the project in any way, please write to me at theblackbored@duck.com. Any form of support is appreciated, whether financial or in the form of services or even detailed feedback.