DODA: Only if the Baby Cries..., a poignant short documentary exploring the struggles of the deaf and mute population in Dhadkai village of Bhalessa in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, has earned a spot on the 2025 TOTO Short Film Awards longlist. Directed by emerging filmmaker Shadab Farooq, the documentary was created in collaboration with The Chenab Times founder and editor Anzer Ayoob and cinematographer Sahib Goni.
Selected from a competitive pool of 140 entries, the film is among 27 longlisted works vying for the coveted award, which celebrates innovative storytelling in short-format cinema. The TOTO Short Film Awards, established in 2013 and supported by O2 Financials, recognize excellence in animation, documentary, fiction, experimental, and mixed-genre films of 30 minutes or less.
The documentary offers an intimate look into the lives of a marginalized community in a remote region, highlighting their resilience and struggles with isolation. Farooq, a native of Bhaderwah, said, âThis film is a voice for those who are often unheard and unseen. Being recognized for such a significant award is an honor and a testament to the importance of sharing these stories.â
The TOTO Funds the Arts (TFA) initiative, under which the awards fall, was established in memory of Angirus âTotoâ Vellani, a passionate advocate for music, literature, and film. Since its inception, the awards have provided a platform for emerging talent in Indian cinema. The next phase will see a distinguished jury of filmmakers, editors, and critics narrowing the field to a shortlist before announcing the final winners.
Only if the Baby Cries... recently garnered international acclaim by winning the Best Short Documentary Award at the prestigious Ji.hlava Documentary Film Festival, one of Europeâs leading events for documentary cinema. This recognition has further cemented the filmâs reputation as a powerful narrative shedding light on the struggles of the deaf and mute population in Dhadkai village, and its success on global platforms underscores the growing impact of regional stories from India.
Official Reference: https://totofundsthearts.org/2024/11/longlist-2025-short-film.html
