Pakdam Pakdai | Agra
7.45' | Documentary
'Children are a kind of indicator species'
In the bustling Sadar Market of Agra, a group of children who sell balloons in the market take us along as they navigate between work and play, hostility and joy, commerce and friendship in the urban space that is designed to exclude them. In this vehicle-choked public realm, we observe their routine of overcoming various barriers and intuitively carve spaces for themselves.
With their games and tender resilience, Pakdam Pakdai celebrates children’s agency in employing the act of play to claim space amid the relentlessness of the city.
'Children are a kind of indicator species'
In the bustling Sadar Market of Agra, a group of children who sell balloons in the market take us along as they navigate between work and play, hostility and joy, commerce and friendship in the urban space that is designed to exclude them. In this vehicle-choked public realm, we observe their routine of overcoming various barriers and intuitively carve spaces for themselves.
With their games and tender resilience, Pakdam Pakdai celebrates children’s agency in employing the act of play to claim space amid the relentlessness of the city.
Jury Citation:
"This compelling film delivers a spontaneous and energetic portrayal of children’s fleeting yet meaningful engagement with urban spaces. By observing the world at their eye level, it reveals how children navigate and momentarily claim the city as their own. The cinematography is lively and thoughtfully composed, reflecting the filmmaker’s intimate rapport with the young people. This, combined with its understated approach and clear, memorable message, makes the film stand out as a sensitive and insightful work of storytelling.
Winner: Jury Commendation, Nagari Film Festival. 2025.
Supported by: Charles Correa Foundation
In Collaboration with: Om & Sakshi.
