The pandemic has left us all in a state of complete disarray. People, all over, have been dealing with the increasing fear and paranoia that comes with this pandemic. There is so much that we had to change just to survive. Simple activities, now, feel like you are venturing out into something that might potentially be dangerous. In times like these, it is crucial that we pay attention to the mental health issues that can stem from the increasing isolation. ‘Inside & Outwards’, then, is one such short film that focuses on this very idea. And, it does so in a way that will make you truly realise that we are all in this together.
‘Inside & Outwards’ does not follow the conventional format of a short film. Rather, it positions itself as, truly, being a motivating and uplifting creative production that focuses on making you realise that, through it all, you have been your biggest strength.
Right off the bat, the film realises that it is vital that we acknowledge the situation we are in before even attempting to reconcile with it. And it does that beautifully, from incredibly wide panning shots, that accentuate the tiny spaces that we have to confine ourselves in, to the daily frustrations that come with our current isolation in this pandemic. After all, even home can seem a little too constricting if that’s all we ever seem to engage with.
Perhaps the most important visual message that ‘Inside & Outwards’ includes in its five minute odd runtime is the inclusive nature of the situation we find ourselves in. Yes, we may be living in isolation but we aren’t truly alone in this. This is beautifully captured in the film through the inclusion of multiple ethnicities. This drills the message that the frustrations you face, the things that are worrying you right now, those same concerns and thoughts are being shared by someone else miles away from you. In a manner of speaking, we are all connected through this. The lows you face, someone else has already faced and overcome. It’s just a matter of time before you do that as well. All it will take from you is patience and a greater appreciation of the incredible strength and will that you, yes you, possess.
‘Inside & Outwards’ is an important short film right now, making you realise the importance of mental health. And, its important not just for you, but for everyone that you love. Share it with them. It will make them realise what you just realised right now. We are all here in this together.
