Early Days": A Mumbai-Based Drama Unveiling the Challenges of Influencer Culture at the Red Sea International Film Festival
A sneak peek has been released for "Early Days," a Mumbai-based drama that delves into the challenges of influencer culture and is set to premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival. Directed by first-time feature director Priyankar Patra, the India-Singapore collaboration has been chosen for the festival's New Visions Competition in Jeddah from December 4-13.
The film delves into the complexities of relationships in the digital age, following a young couple thrust into the world of social media visibility as they navigate love, ambition, and financial survival in India's most expensive city. Through a blend of cinematic realism and the visual language of social media, "Early Days" explores the concept of life as a performance.
Director Patra aimed to create a story that feels both personal and universal, drawing on his experience producing international festival films under the For Films banner. The project is executive produced by Aditya Vikram Sengupta, known for his award-winning film "Labour of Love," and co-produced by Isabella Sreyashii Sen and Olivier Dock of Hazelnut Media, bringing global distribution expertise to the table.
The film features newcomers Manasi Kaushik and Sarthak Sharma in the lead roles, with a talented creative team including editor-producer-composer Anupam Sinha Roy, sound designer Sukrit Sen, and production designer Sayanika Mukherjee. Patra handled the cinematography for the project, capturing the essence of the story.
Hazelnut Media's Sen and Dock were drawn to the film's exploration of the human toll of online aspirations, praising its blend of personal narrative and social commentary. For Films, based in Mumbai, focuses on character-driven cinema that delves into the intersection of technology, emotion, and contemporary Indian life, while Hazelnut Media specializes in impactful storytelling with a cross-cultural focus.
To get a glimpse of what "Early Days" has in store, check out the teaser for the film.