FTII’s Kannada short film Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know qualifies for Oscars 2025

Competing for the prestigious Oscars in 2025 is the Kannada short film named “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know.” The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting revealed on Monday that it has been selected to participate in the Live Action Short Film category at the Oscars 2025.

The director of the film is Chidananda S Naik, and it was created under the auspices of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). This year, the film garnered the top accolade at the La Cinef Selection of the Cannes Film Festival, propelling this Kannada-language production, rooted in Indian folklore and traditions, to international acclaim.

The skills of a skilled group are on display in this project, with Suraj Thakur handling Cinematography, Manoj V taking charge of Editing, and Abhishek Kadam overseeing Sound Design. The storyline follows an elderly woman who absconds with the village rooster, causing a sudden darkness and chaos in the community. To bring back peace, a prophecy is triggered, prompting the banishment of the woman’s family as they embark on a daring quest to recover the rooster.

The movie was praised by the Cannes La Cinef Jury for its captivating narrative and exceptional direction. Their statement reads, “An illumination that shines brightly with humor and a profound sense of staging from the depths of the night, the top award goes to ‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know’ by Chidananda S. Naik.”

Chidananda S Naik, the film director, expressed his long-standing aspiration to narrate this story. Their objective was to not just recount these tales but to immerse the audience in living through them, hoping to create a resonant experience for viewers worldwide. The 97th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 2025.