Reflecting Reality: 'Hooked' and 'Signal' Illuminate Tech-Dependent Lives at Cannes

Two Indian short films, 'Hooked' and 'Signal', screened at Cannes Marche du Film, delve into the impacts of technology on modern life. Directed by Suresh B Pandey and Sagi Sree Hari Varma, they explore digital dependency themes, highlighting the need for balance between virtual and real-world connections.

VMPL New Delhi [India], June 1: At the prestigious Cannes Marche du Film, held alongside the 79th Cannes Film Festival, two Indian short films made significant waves. 'Hooked' and 'Signal' were showcased, both delving into the modern-day consequences of our intimate relationship with technology.

'Hooked,' directed by Suresh B Pandey, serves as a societal reflection, capturing the pervasive influence of screens. The film addresses digital dependency, depicting everyday scenes of individuals prioritizing digital presences over real-world interactions. It calls for a reconsideration of how we engage with technology, urging a return to genuine human connections.

Sagi Sree Hari Varma’s 'Signal' ventures into techno-horror with its stark black-and-white portrayal of a world suddenly devoid of Wi-Fi. It explores chaos amid disconnection, juxtaposing with 'Hooked''s theme of silent connection loss. Together, the films remind us of the fragile yet essential human-technology relationship, advocating for technology as an empowerment tool, not a substitute.