Oscars Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) student film Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know has earned a spot as a contender for the 2025 Academy Awards in the prestigious Live Action Short Film category.
Oscars : clinching the first prize at the Cannes Film Festival’s La Cinef Selection
Oscars Directed by FTII student Chidananda S. Naik, this captivating Kannada-language film has already made waves internationally, clinching the first prize at the Cannes Film Festival’s La Cinef Selection earlier this year. The accolade brought global attention to the project, which draws on India’s rich folk traditions and cultural storytelling.
Chidananda S. Naik
Produced while Naik was still a student at FTII, the film showcases the talents of a skilled crew, including Suraj Thakur (Cinematography), Manoj V (Editing), and Abhishek Kadam (Sound Design). Set in a rural Indian village, Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know follows an elderly woman who steals the village rooster, plunging the community into darkness and chaos. To restore harmony, a prophecy is invoked, and the woman’s family is exiled on a perilous mission to recover the rooster and return daylight to the village.
At Cannes, the La Cinef Jury praised the film for its exceptional storytelling and direction, calling it “an illumination that, from the depths of the night, shines with humor and a keen sense of direction.” The jury awarded it the top honor, recognizing it as a standout among emerging filmmakers.
Naik, reflecting on the journey, shared, “Telling this story has been a lifelong dream. Our aim was to create an experience where audiences don’t just hear these stories—they live them. I hope this resonates with people everywhere.”
Filmed entirely at night, Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know immerses viewers in the beauty of India’s landscapes and its unique cultural fabric. Naik’s direction seamlessly blends traditional narrative forms with striking visuals, capturing the deep connection between people and the mythical world around them.
With its growing acclaim on the festival circuit, including winning the Best Indian Competition Award at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival, Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know is now set to compete on the global stage. The Oscar campaign will include special screenings, press events, and Q&A sessions, offering Academy members and global audiences an opportunity to engage with this unique piece of Indian cinema.
Beyond its festival triumphs, the film serves as an invitation to explore India’s storytelling heritage, offering universal themes that resonate with viewers worldwide. As it vies for an Oscar, Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know not only highlights India’s vibrant film culture but also underscores the power of folklore and myth to connect us all across cultures.
