Ishan Pehal

"Tabula Rasa" is a thought-provoking short film written and directed by Ishan Pehal. The film delves into the concept of a "blank slate" (the meaning of tabula rasa) and explores how individuals are shaped by their experiences, choices, and memories. A poignant exploration of a family grappling with financial instability, '"Tabula Rasa' is a social commentary on how dreams could be sold in the age of the internet, in the film's case a television set. The artificial illusions thereby created have real-life repercussions without a reset button. Ishan Pehal's direction brings a layered, introspective depth to the film, with an emphasis on atmosphere, emotion, and subtle character development. The film's meditative pace and abstract narrative invite audiences to reflect on the nature of self-discovery, the fluidity of identity, and the influence of external forces on our sense of self.

In a quiet Himalayan village, sixteen-year-old Uma looks forward to the annual fair, the one place that once brought her comfort after her father’s death. But when she learns a tradition will forbid her from attending, the celebration suddenly feels painfully close yet out of reach. As the village prepares for the festival, Uma must decide what she is willing to risk to be there.