The 17th Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) awarded the Best Short Film Fiction title to Planet, a 25-minute film directed by Lomharsh. Tackling the global climate crisis, the film tells the heartfelt story of five children who, disillusioned by the lack of meaningful action from adults, take it upon themselves to combat the effects of global warming.
Through the lens of young protagonists, Planet sheds light on the urgency of addressing climate change. Inspired by their teacher’s innovative approach to environmental education, the children witness the devastating consequences of global warming and embark on a mission to make a difference. Their journey underscores the need for collective responsibility and serves as a powerful reminder of the role younger generations can play in shaping a sustainable future.
The film has already garnered acclaim, reaching the semi-finals at the 12th CMS Vatavaran Film Festival, further cementing its position as an impactful piece of environmental storytelling.
Lomharsh, an Indo-Australian filmmaker known for thought-provoking cinema, has delivered another standout project with Planet. His previous works, including Yeh Hai India, Chicken Biryani, and Mintoo, have also been recognized for their powerful narratives and social relevance. With Planet, he continues to push boundaries, combining compelling storytelling with an urgent call to action.
Adding to the film’s emotional impact is its evocative soundtrack composed by Kumar Deepak, featuring vocals by Altamash Faridi and Swati Sharma, with lyrics by Nitu Pandey Kranti. The talented cast, led by Sanjay Vyas, Mitali Nankani, and a group of promising young actors, delivers authentic and moving performances that bring the story to life.
Behind the scenes, casting director Kumar Shyam expertly selected the cast, while cinematographer Raj Kiran Gupta and editor Varun Daya Shanakar created a visually stunning narrative. Produced under the Shilom Media LLP banner, executive producer Avinash Kumar ensured the seamless execution of the project, with art direction by Vinay Singh and makeup by Shakeel Khan enhancing the film’s realism.
Planet marks another successful collaboration between Lomharsh and producer Sandeep Choudhary, following their award-winning projects Yeh Hai India and Chicken Biryani.
As Planet gears up for further screenings at international film festivals, its poignant message and cinematic brilliance continue to inspire audiences to take immediate action for the planet.