In Peshawar, six-year-old Farooq (Sartaaj Kakkar), wants a new school bag for his birthday. After his mother (Rasika Dugal) scolds him for not being responsible, he begs her to get him the bag he had laid eyes on the previous year. He finally threatens to not go to school if he doesn’t get the bag.
This is the premise of the heartbreaking Indian short film based in Pakistan, The School Bag, starring Rasika Dugal and child actor, Sartaaj Kakkar. The film has been winning many accolades globally, and already has 22 awards to its credit.
Sometimes, 15 minutes is all you need to make an impact. The short film is packed with powerful performances and the end is sure to leave you very uncomfortable.
The narrative may be predictable, but the film still manages to strike a chord.
Watch it here: