Distance has always tested human connection—but food has a way of bringing people home, no matter how far they travel. Food Needs No Boundaries, a heart-warming science fiction short film officially released by the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF), imagines a future where technology helps us share not just moments, but meals—and emotions—across continents.

Set in a near-future world, the film tells the story of two best friends: Mili, living in India, and Shanaya, settled in Korea. What begins as a simple phone conversation about missing home-cooked Indian food soon transforms into a deeply emotional experience of connection, belonging, and care.

A Sci-Fi Concept Rooted in Human Emotion

At the heart of Food Needs No Boundaries lies a simple yet powerful idea: food is more than nourishment. It carries memories, culture, comfort, and love—especially for those living far away from home.

When Shanaya expresses her longing for familiar Indian flavours, Mili responds in the most heartfelt way. She prepares a traditional meal—poori, aloo ki sabzi, and suji halwa—and sends it instantly across borders using futuristic teleportation technology. As the two friends eat together despite the physical distance, the film offers a hopeful vision of a world where emotional distances can be bridged through innovation.

Minimal Resources, Maximum Imagination

What makes Food Needs No Boundaries particularly inspiring is its creation process. The film is written, directed, produced, shot, edited, and performed entirely by Smita Nooreen Khan, using a smartphone, minimal equipment, and real food. This solo-creator journey stands as a testament to the power of storytelling over scale—and creativity over constraints.

Rather than relying on heavy visual effects, the film focuses on emotion, relatability, and imagination. Its simplicity makes the futuristic concept feel intimate and believable, allowing viewers to connect instantly with the characters and their bond.

Cross-Cultural Friendship and a Universal Truth

By bringing together India and Korea through friendship and food, the film highlights how cultural boundaries dissolve when emotions are genuine. No matter where we come from, the longing for home-cooked food—and the people associated with it—is universal.

Food Needs No Boundaries gently reminds us that while technology may evolve, the core of human connection remains rooted in care, shared experiences, and small acts of love.

DPIFF and Independent, Purpose-Driven Cinema

DPIFF proudly presents Food Needs No Boundaries as part of its curated short film releases that celebrate original ideas, independent voices, and socially resonant storytelling. The film aligns with DPIFF’s mission to amplify creators who push creative boundaries while staying emotionally grounded.

Set in Ghaziabad, India, the film also showcases how powerful stories can emerge from anywhere—without the need for large budgets or studios.

A Hopeful Glimpse Into the Future

Food Needs No Boundaries is not just a science fiction short film—it is a reminder. That food connects us. That friendship transcends borders. And that even in a technologically advanced future, it is love and memory that truly sustain us.

The film is now streaming on the DPIFF platform and YouTube. We invite audiences to watch, smile, and perhaps think of someone they wish they could share a meal with today.