Days

My 2023 short film "Days" explores the subjective (POV) shot, a concept discussed film theory. In the film, I use POV shots to highlight differing perspectives, showcasing how our understanding of characters’ emotions can be shaped by the lens through which we view them. The film follows three individuals— a white man, an Indian man, and a Black woman— as they walk through a space, each encountering a homeless man who interacts with them based on their physical attributes. By combining subjective and objective shots, I emphasize how race and gender influence daily experiences and interactions these daily realities should be recognized on screen.

This was a quick assignment, but in this and in all of my works for courses, I always aim to include a positive message with a consistent theme of striving toward equality. The film challenges the marginalization of subjective shots in cinema but also challenges the marginalization of black women. I draw attention to the reality that Black women, in particular, often face increased risks and unsafe encounters from interacting no different than anyone would. By revealing the characters' attributes after their interaction (with the ‘danger’)— first through a mirror shot and later through objective angles—I show how subjective (POV) shot is with the objective shot of the subject, giving a full scope perspective of the character’s perspective. This combination gives character details that shape their interactions. A perspective that is very important to understand character connections, in turn helping me relate more to the viewer.