Smoke and Mirrors Wins Best Student Short Film at Goa International Film Competition
Smoke and Mirrors, a psychological thriller directed by Rameez Shaikh, has won the Best Student Short Film award at the prestigious Goa International Film Competition, marking a significant achievement for student cinema from the region.
The film follows the gripping journey of Maya, a young woman who begins to experience Capgras Syndrome—a rare psychological condition in which she believes that people close to her have been replaced by impostors. As Maya struggles to make sense of her distorted reality, the boundaries between truth and illusion begin to blur, forcing her to question everything around her. The narrative takes a shocking and unexpected turn, offering a chilling exploration of the human mind and its capacity for self-deception.
The cast delivers powerful performances that elevate the film’s emotional depth. Prachi Shirodkar, in the role of Maya, delivers a layered and emotionally complex performance, convincingly portraying the character’s inner turmoil. Varun Thanki plays David, Maya’s husband, bringing depth to a role that balances support, confusion, and emotional conflict. Chinmaya Damodlekar, as Dr. Jay, adds subtle nuance to the narrative, further showcasing his versatility as an actor.
The film’s crew played a vital role in bringing this intricate story to life. Director Rameez Shaikh took on multiple responsibilities, serving as the writer, storyteller, cinematographer, and production manager, overseeing nearly every creative aspect of the project. Varun Kashyap, who edited the film, also contributed as the sound designer and spot boy, adding strong technical finesse to the final output.
Sharvi Dhond played a key role in developing the story alongside Rameez Shaikh, and also handled multiple creative responsibilities as a writer, costume designer, and makeup artist, ensuring a cohesive visual and narrative aesthetic. Poonam Bind managed audio and data coordination, contributing to the smooth execution of the production. Ebenezer Rajamanickam assisted with lighting and camera work, while Craig Rodrigues supported the team as a spot boy, helping maintain on-set efficiency.
Smoke and Mirrors was created as a final-year short film for the B.A. Mass Communication course at Don Bosco College, Panjim, under the guidance of Ardra Naik. The film’s success at the Goa International Film Competition highlights the immense potential of student filmmakers. With a compelling concept, strong performances, and a committed crew, Smoke and Mirrors stands out as a remarkable achievement in student cinema.
This recognition not only celebrates the talent of Rameez Shaikh and his team but also underscores the growing impact of student-led films within the broader film industry.
