Faizy short film review: The film embodies minimalist filmmaking through narration and immersion

The short film takes the audience through a unique narrative experience through the eyes of its young protagonist Faizy

Faizy

Story:

A young boy named Faizy must step into his father’s shoes to fulfil his destiny of becoming a wizard by undertaking a dangerous journey.

Review:

Indie filmmaker Praveen Padmanabhan has created a unique short film, with the aid of nothing more than narration and through the expressions of young actor Mohammed Faiz. The story is narrated by veteran Malayalam actor, Nandu, who has appeared in several supporting roles since the 90s.

Nandu’s calming narrative tells the story of a boy in a village in the outskirts of Cairo attempting to become a wizard just like his father. His attempts turn futile so he embarks on a journey through a mysterious forest. He encounters frightening experiences on his journey and prevails. The story is akin to tales from the ‘Arabian Nights’ and is captured on-screen with great effect by young Mohammed Faiz and Nandu’s narration.

The screenplay offers an immersive experience for the audience aided by excellent sound design. The central theme of the story is self-discovery and could also be regarded as a coming of age narrative for young Faizy. However, the ending is left ambiguous and is open to interpretation for the audience, further exploring the ‘mystery’ aspect of the short film.

In an age where digital visual effects and sophisticated camera work have become vital to the production of any film or even a short film, Faizy proves that a good story can be conveyed even without the help of modern technology. Filmmakers working on a limited budget often find innovative ways to make compelling films without sacrificing the overall integrity of the project. 

Vishnu Varma, who was in charge of developing the music in the film, deserves praise for the rich sound the short film offered, which was a vital tool in its narrative structure.

Verdict:

The experimental short film is a crisp eight-minute story that keeps one hooked from start to finish with its well-executed sound design.

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