The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) student film Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know has qualified for the 2025 Oscars in the Live Action Short Film category. Directed by FTII student Chidananda S Naik, this Kannada short film is inspired by Indian folk stories and traditions. Earlier, it won first prize at the Cannes Film Festival’s La Cinef Selection, where the jury praised its storytelling and direction.
The film follows the story of an elderly woman who steals the village rooster, causing sunlight to disappear and bringing chaos to the community. A prophecy then forces her family into exile to retrieve the rooster and restore peace.
Sunflowers will have special screenings and events to connect with global audiences, showcasing India’s storytelling traditions and universal themes that resonate worldwide.
