This short film about a paper boy will make you question the world we live in
Read on to know why you should watch this award-winning short film,
May 24, 2021
The award-winning short film, The Paper Boy, is a beautiful story by Aniket Mitra. The film was the official selection for several film festivals such as the 2015 Kolkata International Film Festival, Pune Short Film Festival, Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival and many more. It was also awarded for being the best film at the Satyajit Ray Memorial Short Film Festival in 2016 - a great honour for the film's creators.
The Paper Boy spans only 15 minutes and deep dives into the reality of the harsh world we live in without the use of a single dialogue. The story is narrated through a young boy who distributes newspapers in the neighbourhood and works at a tea stall as well.
The film is set in Kolkata, famously known as the city of Joy. Ironic, isn't it? The attire and expressions of the young paperboy make the audience feel sorry for him and connect with him on an emotional level. Another aspect that helps viewers feel one with the boy is his drawing on the wall of a hut which is perhaps his home.
The briefcase in the film is another integral aspect of the character development of the boy. It has many small cut outs, broken pieces of a mirror and other tiny trinkets that he perhaps found abandoned and picked up, just like the shoes at the bank of the river, simply because they bring him joy.
The dream sequence that follows portrays the new life the young boy aspires to live in a world where humanity triumphs all. However, his joy is short-lived when he is woken up to face reality again. This particular scene will have you wishing we lived in a better world and will surely leave you watery-eyed.
The film captures the essence and reality of the harsh world we live in. It portrays the injustice that prevails in the society in just a matter of 15 minutes, better than any other film would in hours. The film’s music also lends to the narrative through its pace, rhythm and volume.
The Paper Boy beautifully combines all the aspects of filmmaking and is a true masterpiece.
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