Balekempa

Kempana, a village bangle seller, roams the countryside adorning the hands and faces of women with beauty products. Yet, he seems to have little time for his own wife. The couple's inability to conceive is a concern of the whole family and a matter of village gossip. Kempana spends most of his time with his childhood friend Hanuma, while his wife seeks domestic and other help from the neighbours' kid. Will the couple's secret ever come out?

Unobtrusive camerawork delicately captures the scenic beauty and serenity of this patriarchal agrarian community in South India. The intrigue of the narrative and the minimalist directorial approach, together with the very genuine performances of non-actors from the village, including the director's own grandmother, give a special charm and elegance to this film debut. 

Winner FIPRESCI Award, IFFR 2018.