“Ripples” (2012) by Shreyasi Das

A woman reminisces about her hometown.

Nostalgia is defined as a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past. Though a powerful and universal emotion, many dismiss nostalgia as self-indulgence. For a storyteller, nostalgia can work like a treasure chest filled with magical stories, much like this week’s short film ‘Ripples’.

This film takes the nostalgia of Krishna Dutta Roy, a Bengali woman living in the United States since 40 years, and turns it into a dreamlike journey to her past. The way Krishna describes her love for the city of Kolkata is relatable and charming. Her recollections, filled with festive energy that is specific to Kolkata during Durga Puja, evoke a visceral response in the viewer.

‘Ripples’ is an animated documentary – an uncommon yet exciting genre with endless possibilities. It uses an interview with Krishna, a real-life character, and recreates her likeness to tell her story. The filmmaker skillfully employs a traditional non-fiction storytelling style. We see a typical sit-down interview, close up shots of objects in the Krishna’s environment to establish her character, and re-enactments of her past, which feel like faded archival material from her very own library of memories.

Where the film truly shines for me is in moments of imperfection and silence – like the character pausing to cough, or her sighing and wistfully looking away. These are the moments that make the character, and the storytelling, truly authentic.