The Art of Short Films: Why Less Is More

Why Short Films?

In an era of 3-hour blockbusters, there's something powerful about telling a complete story in under 20 minutes. Short films strip away everything unnecessary and force you to focus on what matters most: the story.

What I've Learned

Starting my filmmaking journey with short films has taught me invaluable lessons:

Every frame must earn its place. In a feature, you can afford a slow establishing shot. In a short, every second counts. This discipline has made me a better visual storyteller.

Characters need immediate depth. You can't spend 30 minutes building a character arc. Instead, you learn to reveal character through action, through a single gesture, a look, a choice. This is cinema at its most efficient.

The ending is everything. A short film's ending carries disproportionate weight. It's what the audience takes home with them. I spend more time on the final 30 seconds than on any other part.

My Approach

I start with a single powerful image or emotion. "ஆனால் உணர்கிறேன்" (But I Feel), my Tamil short story, began with the image of two strangers' eyes meeting across a crowded Persian marketplace. Everything else grew from that moment. I'm currently bringing this story to life as a short film using AI-powered video generation technology — a fascinating experiment in merging storytelling with cutting-edge tools. The film is expected to release here in early June 2026.

Getting Started

You don't need expensive equipment. A phone camera, good natural lighting, and a compelling story — that's your starting kit. The technology is a tool; the story is the soul.

Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out. — Martin Scorsese