IFFI 51, 16-24 January, 28: Onkar Diwadkar’s Still Alive, a psycho-drama on suicide

“My film tells the story of a young protagonist who reaches the verge of suicide, leading to a psychological realisation. The protagonist wants more to run away from her life situation, than she wants to commit suicide; but we cannot escape our situation, we need to go through our situation and overcome it, with the help of a realisation.” Director and Producer Onkar Diwadkar was sharing the inspiration behind his psycho-drama short film Still Alive, which was screened in the Indian Panorama section at the 51st International Film Festival of India, being held in Goa, at a press conference held at the festival venue.

The lead character experiences depression and emotional turmoil, attempts suicide but becomes unsuccessful and then comes back to life. “I want the audience to see my film as a witness, which will create awareness”, says the director.

The 30-minute Marathi film has an uncut shot of 27 minutes. Speaking about this, Diwadkar said that this was necessary to showcase the journey of the person with suicidal tendencies.

Diwadkar spoke on the role played by cinematic elements in the impact the film creates. “My aim has been on creating an impactful experience for the audience, besides telling the story. Elements are more important than story. Every element expresses something. Some elements together make a picture which creates a new impact or experience. Sea, in this film, is the ‘element’ which is mysterious and vast, giving the thorough impact.”

About Still Alive:

Meera’s world collapses after the unexpected breakup of her five-year-old relationship. Driving aimlessly, she lands up at the beach. Her desperate last attempt call to her boyfriend ends in a huge fight, crushing all hope. Driven by the sheer need to reach out to someone, she makes some calls; but nothing soothes her. She tries to end her life by drowning, but the sea has other ideas…

Director: Onkar Diwadkar

Producer: Onkar Diwadkar

Screenplay: Onkar Diwadkar

DOP: Santosh Hankare

Editor: Onkar Diwadkar

Music: Pooja Raibagi

About the Director:

Onkar Diwadkar is a writer, director, editor and producer. His debut film was a short film titled ‘In the land of mirage...’. He is also a professional travel photographer. ‘Still Alive’ is his second short film, and it is a psycho-drama short film.