Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Dec 1: Short film ‘Shameless’ directed by Keith Gomes has become eligible for the 93rd Oscar Awards, 2021, in the live-action short film category.

‘Shameless’ is a 15-minute black comedy,thriller written and directed by Keith Gomes. It revolves around a work from home professional played by Hussain Dalal, who constantly orders online and wakes up to find himself trapped by an exasperated and apologetic pizza delivery girl, essayed by Sayani Gupta. The film was one of the finalists at the recently concluded 3rd edition of the Best of India Short Film Festival 2020, and is produced by Gomes and national award winner Sandeep Kamal, while sound is designed by Oscar winner Resul Pookutty.

Hussain Dalal

Sayani

Keith Gomes

Ashley Gomes

Director Keith Gomes and producer Ashley Gomes have their roots in Mangaluru as their father Arthur Gomes and mother Cynthia Gomes hail from Bejai and are alumni of St Aloysius College and Ladyhill school respectively.

‘Shameless’ narrative dives into the theme of loss of human spirit due to technology, while it also attempts to raise relevant questions on the issues of entitlement, humanity and empathy toward the migrant class.

The short film conceptually touches some very uncomfortable topics like loneliness, isolation, insecurity, prejudices etc. The overall presentation is dark, both visually and thematically, but there is an underlying message of hope, humanity and decency.

When asked about making it to the Oscars from India, producer Ashley Gomes said, "We make films not only to entertain, but also provoke thinking. And, my brother (the director), tells stories that are socially relevant that question norms. For a film to have real social impact, it has to be able to expand our understanding, to change our perspective, to challenge us to do something. Did we expect to be eligible for the Oscars, the best answer to that question is a question – which filmmaker does not dream of holding the coveted statue? Of course, we are thrilled. It is a dream I saw in my brother’s eyes in 1996 when he made his foray into films. We are ecstatic to even get this far.”

‘Shameless’ is shot across Mumbai, Shivaji Park at a friend’s (Bobby Talwar) apartment.

Apart from directing, Keith Gomes has written the movie, and Ashley Gomes and Sandeep Kamal have produced it. Sayani Gupta, Hussain Dalal, Rishab Kapoor play important roles. The movie is captured by Ovais Khan, edited by Huzefa Lokhandwala, the production designer is Suresh Selvarajan, art direction by Amol (Bodake) and sound by Resul Pookutty.

When asked about confidence about winning an Oscar, Ashley Gomes says, "So far so good. We have started the journey. Even being eligible is quite an achievement in itself considering we make films with little funding from family and friends. Everyone comes together with loads of love and passion and the result is the sum of those parts.

“Also, recently, Amitabh Bachchan released our multi-award-winning children’s short film titled ‘Doobie’, a poignant tale about love, hope and the unyielding spirit of a rag picker child, inspired by a true-life story,” he said.

Sayani Gupta states, “My experience on ‘Shameless’ was fantastic and now we submitting to the Oscars, it is a WOW!! Keith is wonderful as a director and very gentle with his actors and crew. Hussain, of course is a great friend, and it was a ball working with him. We have a silent communication and understanding when it comes to improvisations etc. The character in ‘Shameless’, I had never done anything similar before. Loved the world Keith created and executed. I am wondering if we do a second part of the story now.”

Hussain Dalal adds, “Shameless was one of the rare scripts of my life that had me on an idea level and all of that has to do with how clear Keith was with the way he wanted to tell this extremely unique story that communicates the hidden truth in society. We stayed honest to the process, had a blast making it. And then we are here, eligible for the Oscars."

Keith Gomes notes, “I observe human behaviour and love telling stories about the human spirit. This world needs kindness and my films are a reminder to not get lost into technology. I have to thank my incredible cast and my crew of National and Oscar award winners.”

Background of the Gomes brothers

Originally from Mumbai, Ashley Gomes, was previously a marketing strategist in Australia decided on a change of career dabbling in films. He is currently writing a conceptual TV show and a short film in Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands, Spain. His advice to people stuck in their comfort zones to quote his favourite Aerosmith song 'Dream on, till your dreams come true'. Adding, “Nothing is impossible, yesterday I was a successful marketer in Australia stuck in a rat race, today an Oscar eligible producer, writing in Spain. Who knows what’s next? Whatever it is – it is super exciting.”

As a writer, Keith Gomes has co-written the screenplay and was the associate director of Salman Khan blockbuster ‘Kick’ and also an associate on ‘Taxi 9211’, ‘Heyy Babyy’, ‘Once upon a time in Mumbai’, ‘Knockout’, etc. As part of his philanthropist innings, he is one of the founders of India Against corruption (Mumbai chapter) and collects consumer durables for tribal schools in Odisha.