Planet: Lomharsh’s Visionary Film on Climate Change Wins Best Short Film Fiction at JIFF

Planet, a 25-minute short film directed by renowned Indo-Australian filmmaker Lomharsh, has clinched the prestigious Best Short Film Fiction Award at the 17th Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF). The film delivers a poignant narrative about the global climate crisis through the eyes of five young children determined to make a difference after witnessing the devastating impacts of global warming.

The film’s unique perspective combines the innocence of youth with a powerful message, showcasing the transformative journey of children who, inspired by their teacher’s innovative methods, decide to take action where adults have faltered. Their mission becomes a testament to the power of collective effort in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Having already been recognized as a semi-finalist at the 12th CMS Vatavaran Film Festival, Planet continues to garner acclaim for its cinematic storytelling and socially relevant themes. Its success underscores the ability of films to inspire awareness and change on critical global issues.

Lomharsh, celebrated for his impactful narratives in films such as Yeh Hai India, Chicken Biryani Series, and Mintoo, once again proves his mastery in weaving compelling stories with Planet. Known for pushing creative boundaries, his work consistently highlights urgent societal themes, resonating with audiences across the globe.

The film’s emotional narrative is complemented by a powerful soundtrack composed by Kumar Deepak, with soulful vocals by Altamash Faridi and Swati Sharma. The evocative lyrics, penned by Nitu Pandey Kranti, add depth and poignancy to the film’s message.

Planet features an exceptional cast, including Sanjay Vyas, Mitali Nankani, Ishan Sharma, Mehul Sharma, Tanay Sharma, Vednath Sharma, Divyanshi Tanwar, and Jeevraj Singh Shekhawat. Their authentic performances bring a raw intensity to the story, making the film’s message even more impactful. The casting, overseen by Kumar Shyam (Shyam Prajapat), skillfully assembled a group of fresh talents who breathed life into the characters.

Behind the scenes, cinematographer Raj Kiran Gupta and editor Varun Daya Shanakar collaborated seamlessly with Lomharsh to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. The production team, spearheaded by Executive Producer Avinash Kumar under the Shilom Media LLP banner, successfully brought the director’s vision to fruition. Art Director Vinay Singh and makeup artist Shakeel Khan ensured every detail enhanced the film’s realism and emotional depth.

Lomharsh’s partnership with producer Sandeep Choudhary marks a remarkable hat-trick of award-winning projects. Following their acclaimed works Yeh Hai India and Chicken Biryani, Planet has further solidified their reputation for creating impactful cinema that garners both national and international recognition.

Planet is not just a film—it’s a call to action, urging audiences, particularly the younger generation, to take meaningful steps toward combating climate change. With additional screenings planned at global film festivals, Planet is set to continue inspiring and mobilizing viewers worldwide.

As the world grapples with the escalating effects of climate change, Planet serves as a timely and urgent reminder that the responsibility to safeguard our future lies with all of us—regardless of age.