1924: A film by Prataaya Saha

In the tumultuous winter of 1924 in India, a young man grapples with the moral complexities of the Indian Independence Struggle.

Writer & Director Prataya Saha

Cast
Kartikey Tripathi, Deboprasad Haldar, Rohit Basfore, Sudeb Das, Swarnakshi Dey

Producer Poorva Bhat Executive Producer Vijaykumar Mirchandani Associate Producer Maneesh Verma & Anshulika Kapoor Cinematography Joydeep Bhowmik Editing & Colorist Prasanth Ambili Sound Design Apurv Prasanna Mixing & Mastering Adrian Valentine Rodrigues Graphic Designer Neil Chatterjee Production Assistant Debkumar Banerjee Music Director Karthik Bhandare

Trailer

Synopsis

In the winter of 1924, India, amidst the fervour of the Indian Independence Movement, a seasoned freedom fighter recruits an 18-year-old boy torn between personal convictions and the call for national duty. Tasked with a pivotal mission against the British, the boy’s internal conflict escalates when he’s required to prove his loyalty through the assassination of a British informant.

Set against the socio-political turbulence of the era, this historical drama delves into the profound choices individuals make within the complex fabric of a nation’s fight for freedom and intertwines the tumultuous events of the Indian Independence Struggle.

Director’s Note

Set during the Indian Independence Movement, this film is a converging point of my immense gratitude to my countrymen who sacrificed for the freedom we enjoy today and my general apathy towards war in current times that is coming at the cost of countless human lives – especially children – the most vulnerable section among the ones affected.

This is a film treated with a lot of gentleness and subtlety, which I am hoping the audience will resonate with. I sincerely hope this effort opens up a series of much-needed conversations for a better future.

The World Then and Now

While highlighting the sacrifices made by the forerunners of the Indian Independence Movement, “1924” also underlines the plight of children caught in conflict zones, drawing parallels to present times where the unfortunate reality is that, despite technological and societal advancements, the fundamental challenges faced by children in conflict zones remain largely unchanged in the last 100 years.

The film serves as a stark reminder that, across generations and continents, innocent children are still caught in the crossroads of geopolitical conflicts, their lives disrupted, and their futures uncertain.

Director

Prataya Saha is an independent filmmaker, Tedx performer, theatre director & photographer based out of India and Dubai. His films have been selected in 98 film festivals worldwide, winning 28 awards in 14 countries, including the Oscars, Canadian Screen Award & BAFTA Qualifying festivals.

Most of his films hover around subjects with a strong social message, sometimes the ones that are uncomfortable but important.

His last film, The Golden Cage, qualified for the Oscars in 2024.

Over the years, his work has been covered by numerous media houses, including The Week, India Today, BBC UK, Times of India, The Hindu, The New Indian Express, etc.

The Team

Poorva Bhat

Producer

“Prataya’s treatment of the subject in 1924 moved me not only as a fellow filmmaker but also as a mother. The brutal impact of war on children needs to be discussed globally, and Prataya’s ability to tell a story in five minutes that makes audiences sit up and think is rare.”

Vijaykumar Mirchandani

Executive Producer

“Having made my first documentary on autism, children hold a special place in my heart. Thus, it was a no-brainer to join 1924. This beautiful film addresses how political conflict affects children, aligning with my mission to “Be The Change” and raise awareness of unnoticed sacrifices. I am excited to see how 1924 can make a BIG impact.”

Maneesh Verma

Associate Producer

“What I really like about 1924 is the world it has created. I also loved the central theme of the film and the way it conveys it powerfully in just 5 minutes. Every frame has been meticulously planned and shot and contributes meaningfully to the central theme of the film.”

Anshulika Kapoor

Associate Producer

“1924 is a gripping narrative woven from meticulously crafted shots. Each element, from scene design to the narrative flow, interlocks seamlessly to illuminate the film’s core message.”

Sofia Amato

Film Festival Consultant

“1924 is a gem that more and more people should discover, a few minutes of strong emotions and magnetic images and sounds capable of anchoring themselves to the spectators’ skin and
remaining with them forever.”

Joydeep Bhowmick

Cinematographer

“I was fascinated by the project because of how it can be a reminder of the sacrifices of our ancestors. Also, to resist a history that is being attempted to be rewritten, the human touch is what makes this film unique.”

Neil Chatterjee

Graphic Designer

“I joined ‘1924’ because its powerful story and historical importance inspired me. Creating visuals for a film about the impact of conflict on children was a unique opportunity. I’m excited to help with a project that aims to make a difference and start important conversations.”

Director’s Q&A

The seed of “1924” lies deep within my socio-cultural roots, stemming from my hometown of Kolkata, the erstwhile British capital of India and a pivotal hub of the Indian Independence Movement. My connection to the Movement and its profound human toll, particularly on children, coupled with present day geopolitical situations in conflict zones, compelled me to delve into the untold stories of sacrifice and resilience that unfolded during this tumultuous period in history.

Portraying the experiences of children in conflict zones required a delicate balance of sensitivity and authenticity. We approached their portrayal with the utmost respect for the gravity of their experiences, aiming to depict their resilience amidst adversity. Through nuanced storytelling and careful attention to detail, we sought to capture the emotional complexity of their circumstances while honouring their strength and courage.

Shooting a period film itself brings in some unique challenges to deal with. The production of “1924” presented several challenges, including historical accuracy, coordinating period costumes and props, limited resources, and logistical constraints. Capturing the essence of 1920s Kolkata while adhering to a modest budget required extensive research and creative problem-solving.

The message I hope viewers take away from “1924” is twofold. While highlighting the sacrifices made by the forerunners of the Indian Independence Movement, “1924” also underlines the plight of children caught in conflict zones, drawing parallels to present times where the unfortunate reality is that, despite technological and societal advancements, the fundamental challenges faced by children in conflict zones remain largely unchanged in the last 100 years.

We hope that “1924” serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about social change, inspiring viewers to reflect on the past, confront injustice, and advocate for a more equitable and compassionate society.

1924