FINGER is a gripping and socially relevant short film, officially released by the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF), that confronts the disturbing realities of crimes against women in India through a haunting and symbolic narrative. Rooted in real societal concerns, the film reflects the alarming rise in violence faced by women across domestic, public, and digital spaces, despite legislative reforms and institutional mechanisms.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB, 2022), India recorded 4,45,256 cases of crimes against women, marking a 4% increase from the previous year and averaging 51 complaints every hour. While these numbers are deeply unsettling at a national level, the data from states like Kerala—often perceived as socially progressive due to higher literacy and living standards—reveals that no region is immune. FINGER draws inspiration from this uncomfortable truth, translating statistics into a deeply personal and unsettling cinematic experience.

Written and directed by Bibn Jeevan, the film follows the life of a man in his fifties who lives a secluded existence in a remote village in Kerala. His days are marked by routine and isolation. One day, he goes fishing at an abandoned quarry hidden within the woods and unexpectedly catches a large catfish. Unaware of the world beyond his solitude, he returns home planning to cook a simple meal for himself.

Running parallel to this quiet routine is a newspaper headline reporting the disappearance of a medical student from one of Kerala’s prominent medical colleges. Oblivious to this news, the man begins preparing the fish—only to encounter a horrifying discovery. From the innards of the fish emerges a partially decomposed human finger, bearing a ring and traces of nail polish. In that single, chilling moment, an ordinary day collapses into dread, and the search for the identity of the finger begins.

The finger becomes a powerful metaphor—representing silenced voices, fragmented truths, and the way violence against women often surfaces in pieces, only when it is too late. FINGER does not sensationalise crime; instead, it uses restraint, atmosphere, and symbolism to compel the audience to confront the realities hidden beneath everyday normalcy. The film raises unsettling questions about accountability, social apathy, and the many untold stories buried beneath statistics and headlines.

With stark visuals, controlled pacing, and an immersive soundscape, FINGER creates an environment of unease that mirrors the discomfort of its subject matter. The film stands as a reminder that behind every reported case is a human life, and behind every silence is a story demanding recognition.

DPIFF proudly presents FINGER as part of its commitment to showcasing cinema with conscience—films that do more than entertain, that provoke reflection, spark dialogue, and hold a mirror to society. Through its haunting premise and socially urgent theme, FINGER urges viewers to acknowledge, question, and confront the realities of violence against women that continue to persist around us.

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🎞 Film Credits

Title: Finger
Story & Director: Bibn Jeevan
DOP, Cuts & D.I.: Renjith R.
Sound FX, Music & Mix: Bibn Jeevan
Produced by: ARM CINE STUDIO

📍 Location: Ernakulam, Kerala, India
🎬 Duration: 9 minutes

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