EVERYDAY, 7min., India, Animation
Directed by Smita Minda
Everyday is a film about eco-anxiety, and how it keeps a girl named Judith from being able to have fun even at a birthday lunch with her friends. Having read too many articles full of bad news, and seen videos of the world coming to an end, she cannot help but see the darkness in everything around her.

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Director Statement
'Everyday' is a very personal film about eco - anxiety, and how it impacts my day to day life.

Growing up, I always had trouble explaining to my friends and family what I was struggling with and how exhausting the non-stop worrying about our planet's doom and other's ignorance could get. It was so important to me to be able to finally express those feelings through images and sound. With this film, I hope some of the audience members can find comfort in knowing that they're not alone with their anxieties, and some can empathise more with their friends who struggle as well. I hope the Judith's of the world can find some peace and hope that the world will be okay.

Get to know the director:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My constant anxiety about the environment. It was always there, it still is but I have learnt to better handle it now. I remember the first time I realized I wanted to make this movie was when I was enjoying a family get together having a perfectly good time, and then my friend grabbed a napkin to clean something and my mind just saw several trees being crushed, just like in the movie, and I couldn't help but think how long it must have taken that one napkin to be made. After that I was just sort of distracted the whole night overthinking everything. And this happens quite a lot.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Approximately 2 years. This was my final year film at school, but COVID, the length of the film resulted in an extra year of working on it on and off.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Uhhh..doing this feels pretentious. Honesty and overthinking.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

So many. Films are hard, especially by yourself. Setting deadlines, realistic ones, or sticking to them because I wanted it to be perfect, but it can never really be that. I only was able to finish it when I set a deadline I couldn't afford to work after.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was really excited to see them.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Its hard to remember and pin point exactly when it happened, but I do recall seeing this short animated film on YouTube once during my year after graduation from high school called 'to this day' and feeling very touched. I also realized animation was a lot more than just the big productions, and can be played around a lot with.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Probably some not-so-good Bollywood film, but I'd also say whiplash. I think I've seen that film more than 15 times.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

You guys are doing an incredible job. The audience feedback is extremely good, and valuable. Maybe if there was an easier way to get to know other filmmakers that would be nice.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Very easy and rewarding.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Homemade roti(bread), dal and sabzi(veggies).

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I'd like to get some work experience right now and work in a good team. But there will always be a new film, I hope.