2020/2021 Winners & Shortlists

Write a short summary of what happens in the film

The film shows a story of connection & empathy between two girls - whose friendship across cultures & faiths expresses a shared humanity & a united future. It starts in the home of a Western family with the mother preparing a lunchbox for her daughter. Following by the natural and habitual journey of the daughter to school and unpacks and builds the story of her friendship with her friend from the Middle Eastern region. The film shows their cheekiness, character and the depth of their relationship in a charming series of moments. The film ends on a surprising twist when it becomes apparent that the Western girl has secretly removed her lunch from her lunchbox (at home without her mother realizing) in solidarity, respect and connection with her best friend who is fasting during Ramadan.

Cultural / Context information for the jury

During the Ramadan period, the Muslim world follows 30 days of fasting from sunrise to sunset. At schools across the globe today we see integration of multiple faiths and cultures and the relationships between Muslim and non-Muslim children sharing school days, and therefore lunch time, when some are fasting and some are not. In an increasingly connected and aware society our youth are more accepting and united than ever before but it is still rare for non-Muslims to fast in solidarity to their Muslim counterparts. This film shows a surprising story of a young Westerner who wants to join her best friend in observing the fast during school days as a sign of connection and compassion towards her friend’s faith. This is deeply resonant across geographical borders worldwide. We hope in bringing global insight and storytelling together across geographical boundaries in the future.

Tell the jury about the creation of the original music track.

The track was composed to start with an uncertain quality to provoke intrigue and then evolves to drive optimism with true upliftment as it builds. Uplifting piano composition alongside the strings brings depth to the emotional scenes and helps the viewers connect with the emotion of the story. To hero the storytelling, the soundtrack was created to be ambient with minimal composition that is not overpowering to the acting. The accentuating tones throughout elevate key moments of the story supporting the gaps and filling space without overpowering the story. The track incorporates overt pauses to create depth of emotion and connection with the viewer at key times. The track slows at the end to create space for the dramatic twist to the story, and to hero the cast on screen, finally slowing to the key emotional message of compassion and human connectivity.