Film and Television Institute of India, FTII’s student film ‘Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know’ has qualified for the 2025 Oscars in the Live Action Short Film Category.

This Kannada language short film directed by FTII student Chidananda S Naik is inspired by Indian folk stories and traditions. The film had earlier this year won the first Prize at the Cannes Film Festival’s La Cinef Selection. The La Cinef Jury at Cannes had commended the film for its illuminating storytelling and masterful direction.

The film showcases the expertise of a talented team, including Suraj Thakur (Cinematography), Manoj V (Editing) and Abhishek Kadam (Sound Design).

The narrative is both poignant and profound, centering on an elderly woman who steals the village rooster, leading to a cessation of sunlight and resulting in turmoil within the community. In an effort to restore order, a prophecy is invoked, resulting in the exile of the woman’s family as they undertake a desperate mission to retrieve the rooster.

Having received acclaim on the festival circuit, ‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know’ is now poised to compete alongside the world’s best short films.

The campaign for Sunflowers will feature special screenings, press opportunities, and Q&A events, providing Academy members and audiences worldwide with a glimpse into the universal power of India’s storytelling traditions.

Beyond its accolades, ‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know’ serves as an invitation for viewers to engage with Indian culture and storytelling, illuminating the universal themes that resonate deeply with audiences globally.