Pune: The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) is celebrating a major achievement as its student film, Sunflowers Were First Ones to Know, directed by Chidananda S. Naik, has qualified for the 2025 Oscars in the Live Action Short Film category. This Kannada-language short, inspired by Indian folk stories, first gained international acclaim after winning the top prize in the La Cinef Selection at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
The film’s captivating narrative follows an elderly woman whose theft of the village rooster halts the sunrise, plunging the community into chaos. To restore normalcy, a prophecy leads to the exile of her family, who must then undertake a journey to reclaim the rooster. Praised by the Cannes La Cinef Jury for its unique storytelling and humor, the film was described as “an illumination that, from the depths of the night, shines with humor and a keen sense of direction.”
Chidananda S. Naik expressed his excitement, saying, “I have aspired to tell this story for as long as I can remember. Our goal was to recreate the experience of not merely hearing these stories but of genuinely living them—an experience I hope resonates with audiences around the globe.”
The film’s skilled team includes Suraj Thakur (Cinematography), Manoj V (Editing), and Abhishek Kadam (Sound Design). Shot entirely at night, the film encapsulates the essence of Indian village life while weaving a tale of magic and tradition.
With previous accolades such as the Best Indian Competition award at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival, Sunflowers Were First Ones to Know is set to campaign for the Oscars with special screenings and events, sharing India’s rich storytelling traditions with a global audience.
