KOCHI: “Probably the world’s shortest love story”, is how director Lijin Jose describes his short film – ‘Conditions Apply’.
The film, shot on a low budget in a single day, is just 10 minutes long but manages to convey a slice of bitter reality within that short span. It has already been screened at the IFFI Goa held last month, the Vibgyor Film Fest, Thrissur, and will be shown in the 4th edition of the Women’s Film Festival, Chennai in March 2011.
Produced by Abdul Jaleel, the film, which is in English, covers two days in the life of a young woman, a Bangalorean IT professional, who finds prostitution an easy way to make a quick buck in the face of recession and mounting debts. Her encounter with a ‘customer’ turns out to be sensuous and romantic but she has terms and conditions for her love.
“The message I want to convey is that love can happen in any situation and in any phase of life, irrespective of whether it flourishes or not,” says the director. “The story has been based on real events and real people.”
The cast and crew are all young newcomers. Pranami Borah and Omkar are graduates of the National School of Drama, Delhi. The cinematography by Sameer Haq requires special mention – the film stands out for its vivid colours, surreal mood and imaginative angles.
Lijin is a postgraduate in English literature and studied film making at C-dit.