"Louis" is a short film that explores how grief is experienced in Indian immigrant communities, focusing on a father and son. The story follows Kalpen, a young boy grappling with the death of his pet hamster, Louis. His father, Avneesh, silently carries the weight of his own father's death as he struggles to support his son emotionally. Set in Nova Scotia, the film contrasts Indian and Western cultural perspectives on death. It sensitively portrays two generations processing loss, Kalpen seeking to understand it, while Avneesh tries to move past it.​

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Highlights

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Awards& Festivals​​​

• Official Selection - Atlantic International Film Festival

• Official Selection - International South Asian Film Festival

• Official Selection - Chicago South Asian Film Festival

• Official Selection - Atlanta Indian Film Festival

• Official Selection - Charlottetown Film Festival

• Official Selection - Silver Wave Film Festival

• Official Selection - Mosaic South Asian Film Festival

• Official Selection - Global Independent Film Festival of India

• Official Selection - AIFF Kids School Tour

• Winner - Best Child Actor 2nd - Ishaan Anandabaskaran - Global Independent Film Festival of India

• Winner - Best International Short Film 2nd - Global Independent Film Festival of India

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Credits

• Director, Writer: Akshay Shirke

• Producers: Akshay Shirke, Sehmat Suri

• Executive Producer: Stephanie Joline

• Cast: Anand Venkatachalam, Ishaan Anandabaskaran

• Cinematographer: Chelsea Innes

• Editor: Amy Mielke

• Sound: Liam Jordan