'Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know', a short film created by students from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), has secured a prestigious spot on the shortlist for the 2025 Oscars in the live-action short film category, as announced by the Pune-based institute on Monday.
Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know in Oscars 2025
This remarkable achievement follows the film's earlier recognition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it earned the top prize in the La Cinef category, a section dedicated to showcasing fiction or animated films created by film students worldwide.
Directed by Chidanand S. Naik, Sunflowers... brings to life a poignant story based on a Kannada folk tale. The plot revolves around an elderly woman who disrupts her village by stealing the community’s rooster, sparking a series of unsettling events. In response, the villagers invoke an ancient prophecy, ultimately resulting in the old woman’s family being exiled. This narrative captures the essence of folklore and myth, infusing it with a unique storytelling style that has resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike.
About Sunflowers Were the First Ones
The technical finesse of Sunflowers... enhances its storytelling. With cinematography by Suraj Thakur, editing by Manoj V, and sound design by Abhishek Kadam, Naik’s vision is brought to life in a way that fully immerses viewers. “I have aspired to tell this story for as long as I can remember,” Naik shared in a statement. “Our goal was to create an experience that felt not just heard but lived—one that would resonate with audiences worldwide.”
Produced as part of the students’ final-year project, Sunflowers... is a testament to the talent emerging from FTII. The film’s journey from Cannes to the Oscars is a proud moment for the Indian film industry, further highlighting the international recognition of young Indian filmmakers and their powerful storytelling abilities.