My film ‘Cat in the Mirror’ is a story revolving around a cat and its alter ego, embodied in a mirror reflection. A cat named Bana and her alter ego Tana are the central characters of the story. Bana enjoys being in control of her actions, till her reflection refuses to follow her lead of action, giving rise to the image of an alter-ego called Tana. After a prolonged struggle, the reflection manages to break free from the form and tries to overpower it. The conflict between form and reflection feeds on the initial feeling of self-doubt and annoyance displayed by the cat. Soon, in an attempt to overpower the actual form, the virtual form overlooks its limitations. Finally, Bana courageously succeeds in resolving the situation by firmly setting her alter ego back in place.
We get so used to the shadow following us around and mimicking our actions that we take it for granted, like the air we breathe. This project was an effort to highlight the doting self reflective image we project in our daily lives. The film is a symbolic ride through one day in life where one supersedes one’s irate, subconscious behaviour that is inert and at times challenging the protagonist.
The processes involved in the film were: creating a storyboard, script writing, shot selection, style and treatment, finalizing the story, dope sheet, editing, sound design, compositing, etc.
The experience of handling the project single-handedly has filled me with a new lease of energy and confidence to carry out similar attempts of film-making in future.
