“Wade”

This review is part of our “Short Film Showcase,” a special section of reviews which we hope will give exposure to small films from around the world. 

LOUISA:  

LOUISA SAYS:

The politically-charged, socially conscious short film “Wade” is dark and heavy in theming. The story shows a grim view of the possible future, a world overcome with the apocalyptic effects of climate change. It serves as a warning that we all need to be more environmentally-aware and stop to listen to Mother Earth. The film also calls out the horrifying anti-immigration stance of an increasingly territorial world.

Kolkata, India is now unlivable, thanks to the debilitating rising sea levels. The city is underwater, shared only by a few human inhabitants — and hundreds of Bengal tigers. The film takes a very dark turn as a family of climate change refugees are ambushed by a group of wild tigers, who have taken to hunting the few people that are left. The two species activate their survival instincts; the animals act like animals and the humans fight back as best they can.

The nightmarish short is disturbing and, like any good work of art, will make you think outside your personal world view. It should spark discussions on a range of hot-button topics because the project is ambitious, intelligent, and has something important to say. While I am not a fan of the animation style, the drawings have a nice use of shadows and shading, and the technique blends seamlessly with the theming of the story.

“Wade” is confrontational in that it challenges viewers to imagine what their lives could look like if humans don’t take action now. This short film should inspire you to recycle more and waste less, offering a sobering encouragement to do all that you can to protect the future of the planet. Writers / directors Upamanyu Bhattacharyya and Kalp Sanghvi have not only made a compelling work of art, but they’ve also crafted a powerful visual political statement.