A whimsical tale about a stolen rooster is taking flight from an Indian film school to Hollywood’s biggest stage. “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know,” a 16-minute short film by Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) student Chidananda S Naik, has secured a coveted spot in the Live Action Short Film category for the 2025 Academy Awards.
‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know’ listed for Oscars 2025
The film, which earlier this year charmed its way to first prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival’s La Cinef Selection, weaves a captivating narrative inspired by Indian folklore. At its heart is an elderly woman whose seemingly simple act of stealing a village rooster sets off an extraordinary chain of events, leading to a prophecy that forces her family into exile.
FTII announced the Oscar qualification on Instagram, celebrating their student production’s remarkable journey: “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know, an FTII student film, OFFICIALLY QUALIFIES for the 2025 Oscars in the Live Action Short Film Category! The film’s poignant and profound narrative is centered on an elderly woman who steals the village rooster.”
That’s not it – La Cinef Jury at Cannes also loved it!
The film’s unique storytelling caught the eye of the La Cinef Jury at Cannes, who praised it as “an illumination that, from the depths of the night, shines with humour and a keen sense of direction.”
Behind this achievement stands a talented student crew: Chidananda S Naik as director, Suraj Thakur handling camera work, Manoj V on editing duties, and Abhishek Kadam managing sound. Their final year exercise at FTII has transformed into an international sensation, gathering accolades including a winning spot at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival.
As “Sunflowers” heads to the 97th Academy Awards in March 2025, it carries with it not just a stolen rooster but the hopes of an emerging generation of Indian filmmakers. This qualification marks another milestone in India’s growing presence on the global cinema stage, proving that sometimes the most local stories can find the most universal appeal.
