By Tyron Devotta
Cinema, at its best, is not just a story but an experience—an immersion into a world that speaks beyond words. Meen Vaal, the latest short film directed by Anton Onasious Fernando, accomplishes precisely that. Rooted in stark realism, it is a film that unspools unassumingly, leaving behind a residue of emotion and reflection.
At its core, Meen Vaal —which badly translates to “the lifespan of a fish”—is an exploration of sacrifice, love, and the often-unspoken struggles of aging parents left behind as children move abroad in search of better futures. The film’s narrative is simple: a lone father, living in a silent routine, receives a call from his son overseas. The conversation, mundane but the message is powerful. What sets Meen Vaal apart is its minimalistic storytelling. There is little dialogue, yet each frame is pregnant with meaning. The decision to keep conversations restrained allows the audience to focus on what is left unsaid.
Fernando, an experienced filmmaker with 25 short films to his name, deliberately strips away commercial aesthetics. The cinematography by Vinothran is raw and unembellished, employing static shots and unconventional angles that lend a documentary-like feel. “I do not need a commercial value for this,” Fernando states. “I want a realistic, on-time movement.” This realism is reflected in the lack of flashbacks or dramatic cuts—there are no cinematic crutches to manipulate emotion.
Film Director, Anton Onasious Fernando
The Father: A Character Carved in Silence
The film’s emotional weight rests on the shoulders of its protagonist, a middle-aged father played by a first-time actor. His portrayal is strikingly restrained; his emotions simmer beneath the surface, visible only in the minutest of gestures. When his friend places a hand on his shoulder, he turns—not quickly, but in a slow, measured movement that speaks volumes for what goes unsaid!
Fernando’s direction emphasizes the protagonist’s unwavering resilience. Even after receiving news of his son’s accident, he does not react in a conventional cinematic manner—there is no dramatic shattering of plates, no weeping. Instead, he calmly takes the fish from his son’s untouched plate and offers it to a crow, leaving the viewer to think about what this really means.
Poster for the Short Film, Meen Vaal
A Visual and Auditory Tapestry
The film’s use of lighting is another testament to its commitment to realism. Outdoor scenes rely solely on natural light, while indoor sequences mimic it to maintain continuity. “We were very curious to use natural light wherever possible,” Fernando explains, ensuring the film retains an organic, unfiltered feel.
The sound design and score—composed by two music directors, Arosh and Aaron—complement the film’s ethos. There are two versions of the score: one tailored for European audiences and another for multi-language film festivals. The music remains subtle, enhancing the film’s mood without overpowering its naturalistic tone.
Layers of Meaning: More Than Just a Story
The film’s title, Meen Vaal, is not just symbolic of the fish which is a Tamil word and loosely translated can even mean the fish tail…. is central to the story but also serves as a metaphor for life itself—short, unpredictable, and often subject to forces beyond its control.
As a director, Fernando resists the urge to impose a singular interpretation. He leaves room for the audience to derive their own meaning, though he hints at two key messages:
1. Do not judge others quickly; everyone has a story within them.
2. Life moves on, regardless of pain and sacrifice.
The final scene, in which the father walks toward the ocean, is open-ended. Is he walking toward his son? Toward the past? Toward an uncertain future? The film provides no definitive answers, trusting the audience to reach their own conclusions.
Celebrating Ties
There is a poignant backstory to this film. The storyline was originally conceived and written by Dunstan Mani, a Sri Lankan from the diaspora currently living in Calgary, Canada. He describes carrying the emotional ties of the homeland with him every day, even as he builds a life elsewhere. He still maintains close ties with his family and friends in Sri Lanka, and Meen Vaal serves as a celebration of those connections. It is no coincidence that the film’s lead actor is his real-life father.
Film Crew and Actors on Scene
A Film with a Purpose
Unlike commercial films designed for mass appeal, Meen Vaal is an experimental work that aims to provoke thought. It is set to be dubbed in 25 languages, making it one of the most translated short films ever made. Additionally, it will include adaptations for visually impaired audiences, further extending its reach.
The film is currently entering the international festival circuit, with its premiere expected in Italy. The team hopes to secure ten major awards.
Final Thoughts
Meen Vaal is a film that lingers. It does not demand attention but earns it through its sheer authenticity. It is a quiet meditation on love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family. In a world increasingly obsessed with spectacle, this film reminds us that sometimes, the most profound stories are the simplest ones.
Link to download the film : https://fromsmash.com/L3~.8QMfcL-dt
